US nuclear firm eyes Virginia farm for potential 650 MW reactor project

A stretch of farmland along Virginia’s James River is under evaluation for a small modular reactor facility that could deliver up to 650 megawatts of electricity to the regional grid.

Geenex Power’s proposed Beck Creek Energy Project would occupy part of the Traver Family Farm property in Amherst County’s District 1, near the Joshua Falls Appalachian Power substation.

The developer estimates the facility could create more than 200 permanent local jobs.

Existing transmission infrastructure helped draw the company to the location, offering a potential connection to the PJM regional power market.

Construction and operation are tentatively targeted for the early 2030s, although the proposal remains in early-stage site evaluation.

Existing power lines guide site selection

The proposed facility’s electricity would enter the PJM market rather than serve Amherst County exclusively or supply a dedicated customer.

Geenex is assessing how much generation the property could accommodate. Its preliminary estimate puts potential capacity at up to 650 MW, but further investigations could change that figure.

“What we’re seeing right now is that we think that the land and area would be able to support up to 650 megawatts,” said Delaney Bolton, a development project manager with Geenex Power.

“That number may change based on some more of our technical due diligence studies,” he added.

Although the proposal identifies small modular reactors as its technology category, Geenex has not selected a specific reactor technology or finalized the facility’s layout.

Studies examine river and safety considerations

Technical and environmental studies are underway to determine the project’s design and potential effects on the surrounding area, including the nearby James River.

“We’re still kind of developing what the site could look like through preliminary and conceptual site designs. So I don’t have an answer for you on what it ultimately will look like,” Bolton said.

Bolton said the company plans to meet state and federal environmental requirements and share findings with residents as its studies progress.

She also said advanced nuclear technology incorporates improvements developed through decades of industry experience. If the project advances, Geenex plans to coordinate emergency preparations with local, state, and federal officials.

“There is extensive emergency response planning and first responder training that goes into building one of these sites,” Bolton said.

Local jobs depend on project approvals

Geenex hopes to work with a future technology partner to operate the plant and train local workers for nuclear industry positions. An economic impact analysis is also underway.

“We really want to keep the jobs local and kind of bring the whole community along with us as we build this plant,” Bolton said.

Amherst County Administrator Jeremy Bryant told 10 News that Geenex has not submitted an application to the county.

The company hopes to begin discussions about land-use and rezoning applications in early to mid-2027. State and federal permitting, including nuclear regulatory approvals, also stand between the proposal and construction.

The early-2030s schedule remains tentative as planning and regulatory requirements evolve. Residents can submit questions and concerns through the Beck Creek Energy Project website while the evaluation continues.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/650-mw-nuclear-plant-proposed-in-virginia