One Nuclear Signs Deal for 2.88-GW Gas-Fired Plant, Large BESS for Louisiana Data Center Campus

ONE Nuclear Energy has inked a binding letter of intent for a massive 2.88-GW gas-fired power plant and 700-MW/2.88 GWh battery energy storage system near a data center campus in Louisiana, according to a news release dated August 31. The project, to be built alongside a 17,000-acre industrial site called RiverPlex MegaPark, is partially owned by a prominent Louisiana landowner group.

CEO Richard Taylor emphasized that the ambitious plan supports Louisiana's industrial growth, job creation, and local tax base expansion. Project Cayman's development is timely, coming on the heels of other significant investments in the region, such as SpaceX's Starbase and Hyundai's $5.8-billion steel mill. The company, which has experience in both advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and utility-scale gas-fired power plants, plans to engage local stakeholders through public information meetings.

Officials in Louisiana have shown support for data centers, with major players like Meta and Amazon Web Services actively investing in the state. ONE Nuclear recently merged with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII, a deal expected to conclude by the end of the year.