Government Support Boosts Nuclear Energy Outlook, Signaling Opportunity for Investors

Nuclear power generates electricity without carbon emissions, making it a clean energy source. Its constant output provides reliable baseload power. As global electricity demand is projected to rise by 60% over the next two decades—up from just 10% growth in the previous 20 years—nuclear energy is increasingly viewed as a vital component of the supply mix. A major development investors should note is the substantial backing the U.S. government is providing to the nuclear industry.

Massive growth plans for nuclear power

The current U.S. nuclear fleet generates roughly 100 gigawatts. An executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in May 2025 aims to expand capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050. Achieving this target will involve regulatory reforms, financing initiatives, and support for emerging reactor designs. Foundations are already being laid to test new technologies and fund both nascent start‑ups and established operators looking to grow.

There are multiple avenues for gaining exposure to the nuclear sector. Investors seeking a more conservative approach might consider picks‑and‑shovels plays such as Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) or Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP/BEPC). Although these firms do not directly receive federal subsidies, Cameco’s core business—mining and selling uranium—benefits from rising nuclear demand. Brookfield Renewable holds a stake in Westinghouse alongside Cameco; Westinghouse is a leading nuclear‑services provider, so expanded nuclear activity translates into greater opportunities for the company.

For investors seeking direct exposure, a favorable regulatory climate could enable Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG) to restart idle reactors and keep slated‑for‑closure facilities operating. The company has already secured agreements with Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) and Meta (NASDAQ: META) to support its nuclear operations. In addition, the U.S. government has extended a $1 billion loan to Constellation to advance its nuclear initiatives.

Emerging technologies also present opportunities, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) being developed by NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR). The company stands to gain from heightened regulatory backing, evidenced by recent approval of an upgraded SMR design. NuScale is collaborating with a Romanian utility and the Tennessee Valley Authority on potential deployments of its first units. While the startup remains unprofitable and suits only aggressive investors, successful commercialization could yield substantial upside.

Different ways to play the nuclear renaissance

Conservative dividend‑focused investors may find Brookfield Renewable appealing, given its diversified clean‑energy portfolio and a yield around 4.8%. Constellation Energy offers a more growth‑oriented profile while retaining a solid core business to back its nuclear goals. Cameco, as a uranium supplier, provides exposure to a commodity poised for rising demand. For those willing to take on higher risk, NuScale Power represents a pure‑play on SMRs; the stock could attract significant interest once the company secures its first commercial contract.

Should you buy stock in NuScale Power right now?

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