Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII (HVII) has officially announced a definitive merger agreement with ONE Nuclear Energy LLC. This significant transaction will establish a unique public company at the forefront of combining advanced nuclear technology, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs), with natural gas solutions. This new entity aims to strategically position itself to meet the rapidly expanding energy requirements driven by artificial intelligence and to capitalize on the growing interest in nuclear power infrastructure within the U.S.
The core of ONE Nuclear's strategy revolves around a 'Develop-Own-Operate' model, emphasizing a swift market entry, specialized technological knowledge, and strong partnerships to mitigate project risks and accelerate revenue generation. The merger, valuing ONE Nuclear at approximately $1.1 billion, is projected to secure up to $210 million in gross proceeds. This capital infusion is crucial for funding its ambitious growth initiatives, which include developing large-scale 'energy parks' that integrate both rapid gas-fired generation and long-term, carbon-free SMR power. A key collaboration with Rolls-Royce Solutions America, Inc. is set to provide immediate revenue streams by deploying modular natural-gas power systems, bridging the gap until the nuclear facilities become operational. The company has identified over 75 potential development sites, with plans to initiate projects in East Texas and West Oklahoma, targeting significant power generation capacity by 2034.
This merger not only addresses the urgent need for scalable and reliable energy solutions in the AI era but also champions sustainable infrastructure development. By integrating gas and nuclear power, ONE Nuclear offers a pioneering model that promises to deliver consistent, low-carbon energy. Backed by Hennessy Capital VII's extensive experience in industrial and energy transition investments, this partnership provides ONE Nuclear with enhanced credibility, robust governance, and critical access to capital markets, enabling it to drive innovation and contribute significantly to the future of energy production.