As long as large AI cloud services providers are eager to buy nuclear energy, these investments … More
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As power hungry AI cloud services providers seek ever more energy, nuclear energy is enjoying a revival. While younger people who did not live through the near-meltdowns such as Chernobyl (1986) and Three Mile Island (1979) are bullish, the regulatory and financial barriers to building nuclear power plants remain formidable.
Nevertheless, capital providers see these barriers as worth hurdling. With annual investment in nuclear power doubling to $60 billion since 2020, nuclear power could energize your portfolio. For example, Microsoft signed a 20-year agreement to use power from Three Mile Island, and Meta signed a similar deal with another nuclear power facility.
To profit from this trend while considering the risks, read on for three publicly-traded stocks and three exchange traded funds which could rise along with demand for nuclear energy.
What Is The Current State of Nuclear Power?
With concerns about energy security and climate change on the rise, nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence. Roughly 400 reactors are now operating in 31 countries providing about 5% of the world’s electricity. What’s more, new nuclear reactors are being constructed. Of the 63 nuclear reactors being built, many deploy new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors – which are safer and smaller – and advanced Generation IV reactors, wrote Goldman Sachs.
Another positive is the support for nuclear power from younger people who lack a direct memory of previous disasters and recognize nuclear’s “role in decarbonization efforts,” reports Strats Research.
Nevertheless, nuclear faces significant challenges, including the following:
- High initial costs and long construction times. Nuclear power plants require as much as $7 billion in capital and a decade or more to construct.
- Nuclear waste management woes. With no permanent disposal site, the technical and ethical challenges of managing radioactive waste are formidable.
- Public perception and trust. Public concerns about safety, waste disposal and nuclear accident potential remain high in some regions.
- Regulatory challenges. Strict safety standards, environmental regulations and licensing requirements all boost the cost and complexity of nuclear projects.
- Competition from renewable energy: The declining costs of solar and wind and technological advancements in energy storage could impede the growth of nuclear power.
3 Top Nuclear Power Stocks To Buy Now
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1. Constellation Energy (CEG)
Business Overview
- One year stock price change: 90%
- Q1 2025 revenue: $6.8 billion
- Q1 2025 net profit margin: 1.74%
Baltimore, Maryland-based Constellation Energy Corporation produces and sells electricity, natural gas, energy-related products and sustainable solutions in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT and other power regions.
Constellation is a top choice because it is the largest operator of nuclear reactors in the United States and a major provider of carbon-free electricity. The company’s focus on nuclear power provides a reliable source of baseload electricity and makes it an attractive partner for technology companies needing consistent power for data centers. For instance, Meta recently announced a 20-year nuclear agreement with Constellation.
2. Cameco (CCJ)
Business Overview
- One year stock price change: 78%
- Q1 2025 revenue: $789 million
- Q1 2025 net profit margin: 8.84%
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based Cameco Corporation provides uranium through three segments: Uranium, Fuel Services and Westinghouse. The Uranium segment explores for, mines, mills, purchases and sells uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment refines, converts, and fabricates uranium concentrate. The Westinghouse segment makes nuclear reactor technology equipment and provides products and services to commercial utilities and government agencies, reported Yahoo! Finance.
As one of the world’s largest uranium producers, Cameco is a top choice because it is likely to benefit from increasing nuclear fuel demand. The company has substantial high-grade uranium reserves and long-term contracts with utility companies, providing a degree of stability. Cameco also has an ownership stake in Westinghouse Electric, providing exposure to nuclear reactor construction, according to SeekingAlpha.
3. NuScale Power (SMR)
Business Overview
- One year stock price change: 444%
- Q1 2025 revenue: $13.4 million
- Q1 2025 net profit margin: -104.7%
Corvallis, Oregon-based NuScale Power provides a small modular reactor technology system — the NuScale Power Module. The NPM, a water reactor, can generate 77 megawatts of electricity. Founded in 2007, NuScale operates as a subsidiary of Fluor Enterprises, according to Yahoo! Finance.
NuScale is a top choice due to the company’s leadership in SMR technology, which offers potential benefits in scalability, safety, and faster deployment compared to traditional large reactors. The company’s SMR design is the first to be certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, giving it a potential first-mover advantage in this emerging technology, according to 24/7 Wall Street.
3 Top Nuclear Power ETFs To Buy Now
1. VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR)
Fund Overview
One year price change: 48.7%
Top five holdings:
- Constellation Energy (8.17%)
- Cameco (7.21%)
- BWX Technologies (5.90%)
- Public Service Enterprise Group (5.62%)
- Denison Mines (4.56%)
The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the fund’s benchmark index of equity securities and depositary receipts issued by uranium and nuclear energy companies, according to Yahoo! Finance.
The ETF is a top choice because it offers broader exposure to the nuclear energy sector beyond just uranium miners. It includes uranium miners, nuclear power plant builders and maintainers, nuclear electricity producers, and related equipment and technology. The fund’s exposure to utilities can make a portfolio more defensive.
2. Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) Business
Fund Overview
One year price change: 50%
Top five holdings:
- Cameco (10.20%)
- Constellation Energy (8.73%)
- Centrus Energy (3.58%)
- NuScale Power (3.54%)
- GE Vernova (3.43%)
Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF normally invests in securities of nuclear fuel and energy – particularly in the areas of advanced reactors; utilities; construction and services; and/or fuel. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of nuclear companies.
The ETF is a top choice because it tracks a custom index reflecting the nuclear industry broadly. It offers significant exposure to advanced reactor technology, including a large position in Oklo, which makes small modular reactors. NUKZ has shown strong performance and offers exposure to the developing advanced nuclear technology sector, according to TipRanks.
3. Global X Uranium ETF (URA)
Fund Overview
One year price change: 54.6%
Top five holdings:
- Cameco (23.77%)
- NuScale Power (5.42%)
- Oklo (5.26%)
- Doosan Enerbility (5.01%)
- NexGen Energy (4.85%)
Global X Uranium ETF normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index that tracks the broad based equity market performance of global companies involved in the uranium industry, according to Yahoo! Finance.
URA is a top choice because it is the largest and most popular nuclear ETF by assets under management. It provides broad exposure to the uranium and nuclear energy value chain, including uranium producers, nuclear component manufacturers and service providers. This ETF also offers direct exposure to the physical uranium commodity, which is unique among nuclear ETFs.
Bottom Line
With investment in nuclear power doubling over the last five years, should you invest in companies and ETFs that track its growth? Despite the risks of nuclear power – which include enormous capital requirements, regulatory and political hurdles and the risk of nuclear accidents – the stocks and ETFs highlighted above may offer upside opportunity. As long as large AI cloud services providers are eager to buy nuclear energy, these investments could enrich your portfolio