Project Cayman Louisiana Energy Project – ONE Nuclear LOI
September 1, 2026 — ONE Nuclear announced the execution of a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Project Cayman Louisiana energy project. The agreement unlocks a 2.88 GW natural‑gas power plant, a 700 MW / 2.88 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and a co‑located data center campus. Stakeholders view the deal as a cornerstone for Louisiana’s industrial renaissance, linking power‑intensive facilities such as SpaceX’s Starbase expansion and Hyundai’s upcoming steel mill.
Project Cayman Overview
- Power Generation Capacity: 2.88 GW natural‑gas plant, the largest single‑unit gas‑fired facility slated for the Gulf Coast.
- Energy Storage: 700 MW BESS delivering 2.88 GWh of firm capacity for peak shaving and grid stability.
- Data Center Campus: A purpose‑built, high‑density facility designed to host hyperscale cloud operators and AI workloads.
Together, these assets form the Project Cayman Louisiana energy project, a hybrid platform that blends conventional generation with cutting‑edge storage and digital infrastructure.
Technology & Infrastructure Details
Natural Gas Generation
- Advanced combined‑cycle turbines with > 60 % efficiency.
- Low‑NOx combustors meeting EPA Tier 4 standards.
- Built‑in carbon‑capture readiness for future retrofits.
Battery Energy Storage System
- Lithium‑ion modules optimized for rapid dispatch.
- 15‑minute full‑power deliverability, supporting ancillary services.
- Integrated with ONE Nuclear’s control hub for real‑time market participation.
Data Center Integration
- Direct‑current (DC) power architecture reduces conversion losses.
- Redundant on‑site generation allows near‑zero‑downtime operation.
- Heat‑recovery loops channel waste heat to nearby industrial processes, including the Hyundai steel mill.
Strategic Location & Regional Benefits
Project Cayman sits adjacent to the RiverPlex MegaPark development, a 9,600‑acre logistics hub along the Mississippi River. The site offers multiple strategic advantages:
- Proximity to SpaceX Starbase Louisiana – Enhances power reliability for launch operations.
- Near Hyundai steel mill Louisiana – Provides on‑site electricity and waste‑heat synergies.
- Alignment with Entergy transmission build‑out – New 500 kV lines will connect the plant directly to the Gulf Coast grid, bolstering resilience.
- Access to existing natural‑gas pipelines – Guarantees fuel supply for the 2.88 GW plant.
These locational assets make the 2.88 GW natural gas plant Louisiana a keystone for the state’s growing industrial corridor.
Economic Impact
- Jobs: Approximately 1,200 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions post‑completion.
- Tax Revenue: Projected $150 million in annual tax receipts for local parishes.
- Industrial Growth: The data center campus is expected to attract $3 billion in private investment, fueling ancillary services such as fiber‑optic deployment and logistics.
- Supply Chain: Local contractors, steel fabricators, and engineering firms will benefit from a multi‑billion‑dollar procurement pipeline.
Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement
ONE Nuclear has launched a robust outreach program:
- Public meetings: Scheduled monthly from September – December 2026 in St. James, St. John the Baptist, and Ascension parishes.
- Advisory committee: Includes landowners, environmental NGOs, and Gulf Coast economic development officials.
- Transparency portal: Live updates on permitting, environmental studies, and construction milestones.
The company emphasizes a “responsible development” ethos, pledging to protect wetlands, support local education, and fund community resilience projects.
Timeline & Next Steps
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Final LOI execution | Aug 31 2026 |
| Permit filing (EPA, LDEQ) | Oct 2026 |
| Interconnection agreement with Entergy | Jan 2027 |
| Detailed engineering & procurement | Q2 2027 |
| Groundbreaking ceremony | Q4 2027 |
| Commissioning of gas plant | Q3 2030 |
| BESS and data center operational | Q4 2030 |
The LOI triggers a 12‑month pre‑construction phase, after which construction is expected to span 36‑40 months.
Executive Quotes
“Project Cayman, with its 2.88 GW power capacity, demonstrates that ONE Nuclear is committed to supporting the future economic development of one of Louisiana’s most important industrial regions,” said Richard Taylor, CEO of ONE Nuclear. “The project will deliver the reliable energy needed to support new investment, create jobs, expand the local tax base and generate additional funding for community priorities and critical infrastructure.”
“ONE Nuclear is proud to invest in the region to support the rapidly growing energy needs created by other recently announced developments such as the SpaceX Starbase project and Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel mill,” added Taylor.
Source: ONE Nuclear
Stay updated on Renewable Storage News for the latest developments on Project Cayman and other major energy infrastructure projects.
I'm Amelia Bonner, an energy storage researcher and technical content writer focused on the technologies shaping the future of reliable, flexible, and sustainable energy systems. My work explores battery energy storage, grid-scale storage, renewable energy integration, battery technologies, and emerging energy storage solutions.
