(I know that station construction isn't even announced yet)
When player constructs a new station, they can decide whether to consume (not assign!) a corrupted/pristine nanoforge or not.
Constructing a station without nanoforge consumption limits it to size 5.
Constructing a station with a corrupted nanoforge increases the limit to size 7 and grants upkeep reduction when below size 7.
Constructing a station with a pristine nanoforge increases the limit to size 8 and grants upkeep reduction when below size 8.
Stations constructed with nanoforges attract more Pather attention.