Nuclear Energy Dominates 2026 Outlook, Featuring Two Premier Stock Picks

Key Points

Nuclear power is regaining momentum, driven largely by the surge in artificial intelligence.

U.S. electricity generation remained flat from 2005 to 2023. In 2024 it reached a record high, and 2025 followed with another all‑time peak, reflecting the rapid expansion of AI‑intensive activities.

The existing grid is insufficient for the growing AI sector, which relies on energy‑heavy data centers that also require substantial cooling for high‑performance GPUs.

Continued growth in electricity demand is expected for decades, making nuclear energy an attractive option, specifically advanced fission technologies.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. This nuclear stock is tailor-made for AI

Few nuclear companies are as closely aligned with the AI industry as Oklo (NYSE: OKLO). The firm’s founder, Sam Altman of OpenAI, has been a long‑time investor and board chair.

Oklo focuses on small modular reactors, which it describes as “microreactors” due to their compact size. This makes them suitable for deployment near data centers, with licensing and construction timelines projected at six to twelve months once scaled.

Through its recent acquisition of Atomic Alchemy, Oklo also gains fuel‑recycling capabilities and a foothold in medical‑grade isotope sales, diversifying its business beyond microreactor supply. A notable partnership with Meta Platforms secures a 1.2‑gigawatt system in southern Ohio.

2. NuScale Power leads in utility‑scale nuclear

NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) designs and sells SMR systems, but its strategy targets grid‑scale deployment rather than direct deals with data‑center operators.

The company already has several projects worldwide, with its most significant being a 6‑gigawatt agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority to serve the eastern United States. A power purchase agreement for this project is anticipated to be finalized by year‑end, potentially providing a catalyst.

NuScale’s reactors are larger than Oklo’s and have longer development timelines, yet they offer utilities a low‑carbon, reliable baseload option that can help avoid brownouts and mitigate rate increases.

For investors seeking diversified exposure to the SMR market, holding both Oklo and NuScale can balance short‑term, site‑specific deployments with long‑term, grid‑integrated projects. Additional industrial conglomerates are also entering the SMR space, so the competitive landscape remains evolving.

Should you buy stock in NuScale Power right now?

Before investing, consider the latest analysis from the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, which recently highlighted its selection of ten top stocks for 2026. NuScale Power was not included in that list.

Historical examples illustrate the potential upside of following these recommendations: a $1,000 investment made when Netflix was recommended on December 17, 2004, would be worth $463,900 today; a similar investment in Nvidia on April 15, 2005, would have grown to $1,294,401.

The Stock Advisor’s average annual return stands at 978%, significantly outpacing the S&P 500’s 211% over the same period. For the most recent top‑10 list and to join an investor community, see the full report.

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