Texas A&M is closer to its goal of powering a part of the Texas electric grid by offering land to four cutting-edge companies looking to build small modular reactors or SMRs.

Texas A&M University System collaborates with four companies to develop advanced nuclear reactors at its Rellis Campus, in a move expected to boost the state's energy innovation.

Chancellor John Sharp announced Tuesday he had offered land near the Texas A&M University campus to four nuclear reactor companies so they can build the latest small modular reactors or SMRs. Firms—Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics.

The A&M University System said the land could provide the "missing element needed to bring more nuclear power to the state’s electric grid".

Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy and Aalo Atomics will work toward building small nuclear reactors at A&M's Rellis facility, a 2,400-acre innovation and technology campus in Bryan.

"Nowhere in the country, other than Texas, is anyone willing to step up and build the power plants we need," said Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp.

The site at Texas A&M-Rellis is expected to be able to accommodate multiple small modular reactors with a combined electrical output of more than 1 gigawatt. The Texas A&M University System has taken a big step toward bringing more nuclear power to Texas.

Texas A&M says it will partner with four companies to build “small nuclear reactors” in the state. Governor Greg Abbott mentioned nuclear power in his State of the State address Sunday.