ONE Nuclear Energy Goes Public via SPAC Merger

ONE Nuclear Energy has officially transitioned into a publicly traded entity following its business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII. This strategic move unlocks access to public capital markets, a crucial step for the company as it advances a substantial pipeline of approximately 5 gigawatts of energy generation capacity. The newly formed entity, operating under the name ONE Nuclear Energy Inc., is set to commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol ONEN, with trading expected to begin around September 24, 2026.

The combined company's development strategy is ambitious, integrating natural gas generation with cutting-edge small modular reactor (SMR) technology. This dual-pronged approach aims to satisfy immediate electricity demands through natural gas projects while simultaneously building long-term, scalable power capacity with advanced nuclear solutions. This diversification is particularly relevant in a market increasingly focused on energy security and a transition to lower-carbon sources.

Central to ONE Nuclear's immediate focus is its development portfolio in Louisiana. The company is actively pursuing three significant projects designed to cater to a range of clients, including industrial consumers, regional electricity grids, and the rapidly expanding power needs of artificial intelligence infrastructure. This strategic positioning taps into a critical growth area, as data centers and AI compute power demand significant and reliable energy supplies.

Among the key projects is Project Amberjack, envisioned as a multi-unit SMR campus with a potential capacity of up to 1 gigawatt. Complementing this is Project Cayman, a substantial development featuring a 2.88-gigawatt natural gas power plant paired with a 700-megawatt battery energy storage system. This project also includes a co-located, high-capacity data center campus. Additionally, Project Barracuda will add another 1.2-gigawatt natural gas plant, a 300-megawatt battery storage system, and a 1-gigawatt data center, further bolstering the company's integrated energy offering.

The completion of this merger provides ONE Nuclear Energy Inc. with enhanced financial flexibility and market visibility. Led by Richard Taylor, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO, the company's leadership team brings extensive experience across energy development, nuclear technology, regulatory affairs, and government relations. This expertise is vital for navigating the complex development and regulatory pathways for both natural gas and advanced nuclear projects.

The transaction saw significant advisory support, with B. Riley Securities acting as financial advisor to ONE Nuclear, and Rose & Ward and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough providing legal counsel. ICR served as the strategic communications advisor. On the SPAC side, Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII was advised by Cohen & Company Capital Markets as exclusive financial advisor and lead capital markets advisor, with legal counsel provided by Sidley Austin and Appleby.

This move by ONE Nuclear underscores a broader trend in the energy sector, where companies are seeking innovative solutions to meet escalating power demands driven by technological advancements and industrial growth. The integration of diverse energy sources, from natural gas to advanced nuclear and battery storage, positions ONE Nuclear Energy Inc. to be a key player in the evolving energy infrastructure landscape.