What is a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

Small Modular Reactor, or SMR, is a new type of nuclear power plant designed to be smaller, safer, and more flexible than traditional reactors.

  • Small: SMRs produce tens to hundreds of megawatts of power, not thousands.
  • Modular: Major components are built in factories and shipped to the site, improving safety, quality, and consistency.
  • Reactor: SMRs use nuclear energy to reliably produce heat and electricity — without carbon emissions.

SMRs are designed to bring reliable, long‑term, clean power to communities while using less land and offering more predictable construction timelines.

  

What will an SMR look like?

Final designs depend on the manufacturer, and many companies are still refining their models. The image shown here is a generic industry rendering used to illustrate general scale and layout.
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Geenex has not selected a technology partner yet. Because this is a rapidly advancing industry, we are carefully evaluating all top manufacturers to ensure each project has the best possible fit—technically, environmentally, and regionally.

Regardless of manufacturer, SMR projects share common characteristics:

  • Approximately 300MW per reactor; some designs allow multiple reactors on one site.
  • Significant regional economic impact during construction.
  • Once operating, each facility employs 50+ permanent, skilled workers for more than 60 years.
  • All projects must be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and must meet all local and state safety standards.

How does Geenex choose a site for SMRs?

At Geenex, we consider ourselves expert siters. Our core role is to:

  1. Identify land that meets SMR technology needs
  2. Work with landowners to secure agreements
  3. Perform the studies and testing necessary to evaluate and ultimately permit the site

For an SMR to be feasible, a site must have:

  • Access to water — essential for running steam turbines
  • Rail access or river access — the only approved ways to transport nuclear fuel
  • Available room on the electrical grid — made possible thanks to regional planning and economic development work
  • A ready workforce — local residents seeking long-term, stable, skilled jobs

We choose sites that can be strong, enduring assets to the region.

Does Geenex have an SMR project portfolio?

Geenex serves as an early‑stage developer and siting expert while selecting experienced long‑term operational partners for projects. This ensures site designs reflect community input and considerations. 

We are currently in the early stages of development for several SMR sites. This includes:

  • Land evaluations
  • Preliminary engineering
  • Environmental and cultural resource studies
  • Engagement with landowners and community members

We will submit our engagement plans and early site permit materials to the NRC and other required agencies for a group of projects in the near future.

What are the safety risks?

We know nuclear energy comes with a long history — and that history includes both progress and public concern. At Geenex, we approach these conversations with respect, honesty, and transparency.

A blended, clear approach:

 

  • We acknowledge that many communities have questions rooted in past experiences.
  • We follow the strict, well‑established NRC safety and licensing process, which governs every part of project development, including waste handling, security, and long-term site safety.