Solar developer Geenex looks to enter nuclear market

Charlotte, N.C.-based Geenex, a developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage within the PJM Interconnection, announced on Tuesday that it is expanding into nuclear energy development, focusing on the siting and permitting of advanced small modular reactors.

"Geenex is committed to advancing the power solutions needed to meet the country's accelerating electricity demand," said Geenex CEO Emily Williams. "With advanced nuclear reactor technology reaching commercial readiness and regulators modernizing permitting processes, this is the moment for Geenex to also apply our siting and development expertise to one of the most critical energy resources of the next century."

The company: Since its founding in 2012, Geenex has filed more than 12 GW of energy projects in the PJM region. The company said it focuses on strategic site selection, strong community partnerships, and environmentally responsible design.

While operating as an independent developer, Geenex has ties to EDF Group subsidiary EDF Renewables North America. In 2020, EDF Renewables agreed to acquire from Geenex a pipeline of up to 4.5 GW of solar development assets throughout PJM.

Development priorities: According to Geenex, the company's nuclear development efforts will prioritize the following:

• Safety-partnering with best-in-class reactor technologies with advanced operational safeguards.
• Environmental protection-rigorous standards for water use, waste handling, and land stewardship.
• Strong local partnerships-transparent engagement with communities, regulators, and public safety officials.
• Interconnection siting-targeting locations with low interconnection costs, available capacity, and alignment with energy demand location forecasts.
• Land siting-access to critical infrastructure and site sizes that support the facility and allow for adequate buffer zones.
• Local and state policy engagement-streamlined permitting paths with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state and local leaders.

Geenex said it will provide details on specific project locations and stakeholder partnerships as development activities progress.