Top U.S. Nuclear Power Stocks and ETFs to Watch as AI Fuels Demand

Nuclear Stocks: Sharp Hype vs. Fundamentals Divide in AI Boom
Published on: Oct 15, 2025

As global tech giants scramble to power the next wave of energy-intensive AI models, they are increasingly turning to a once-overlooked energy source: nuclear power. A nuclear renaissance, driven by AI’s massive electricity demands and global decarbonization pressures, is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. From White House executive orders and multibillion-dollar investments by tech firms to Wall Street’s fervent capital flow and the launch of next-generation reactors, a high-stakes race to redefine the future energy landscape is now fully underway.

Global Nuclear Expansion Cycle Gains Momentum

According to the World Nuclear Association, approximately 70 nuclear reactors are currently under construction worldwide, with an additional 110 in the planning stages. The International Atomic Energy Agency projects that global nuclear capacity could expand by up to 2.5 times by 2050. This surge signals a powerful revival for the industry, which had languished since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

To secure a leading position in this energy transition, U.S. President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders earlier this year aimed at quadrupling U.S. nuclear capacity over the long term. The administration also announced plans to boost domestic nuclear fuel production and enrichment capabilities, reducing reliance on imports from Russia.

Beyond government action, American tech titans and hyperscale data center operators are investing billions to restart retired nuclear plants and develop new projects, ensuring a reliable and clean power supply for their AI operations. A new wave of large-scale reactors is under construction in several countries, while small modular reactor (SMR) technology is rapidly advancing.

Capital Enthusiasm Meets Caution

The nuclear sector has captured intense investor interest, though some experts warn that the AI-nuclear nexus may be overheating valuations. Yechezkel Moskowitz, founder of nuclear startup Curio, noted, Despite what may look like a bubble, I remain very optimistic about the future. He advised investors to focus on companies with a long-term horizon, because frankly, many of today’s most visible players don’t have the depth or durability that retail investors think.

Key Nuclear Energy Stocks

Based on the latest market analysis, the following nuclear-related stocks are drawing strong analyst attention:

  • IsoEnergy Ltd. (ISOU)

The globally diversified uranium company recently announced significant uranium findings at its Dorado Project in Saskatchewan and launched a 15,000-foot drilling program in Utah. CEO Philip Williams called it “an exciting new chapter for IsoEnergy in the United States.”

  • PG&E Corporation (PCG)

Operator of California’s sole nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, which provides about 10% of the state’s electricity, PG&E is seeking to renew its license to operate through 2045. It also launched the first commercial generative AI program at a U.S. nuclear facility and unveiled an expanded $73 billion capital investment plan.

  • NexGen Energy Ltd. (NXE)

NexGen is advancing its Rook I Project toward becoming the world’s largest low-cost uranium mine. It recently completed substantial equity offerings and signed a new five-year offtake agreement to supply 1 million pounds of uranium annually to a major U.S. utility.

  • Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC)

As the largest U.S.-based uranium supplier, UEC benefits from domestic sourcing initiatives. Its stock has surged over 200% in six months. The company recently increased its stake in Anfield Energy and aims to boost annual production to 6 million pounds by 2030 using its ISR mining method.

  • Vistra Corp. (VST)

The largest competitive power generator in the U.S., Vistra holds the nation’s second-largest nuclear fleet, with all six reactors receiving 20-year license renewals. It has secured power contracts with Amazon and Microsoft and landed a 20-year deal for 1,200 MW from its Texas nuclear plant.

  • Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG)

This utility reported nuclear generation of 7.5 TWh in Q2 2025, raised its dividend for the 14th consecutive year, and increased its five-year capital spending plan to $24 billion, supporting robust rate base growth.

  • GE Vernova Inc. (GEV)

A leader in SMR technology, GE Vernova received approval to begin construction on its BWRX-300 reactor in Canada and was selected by Sweden’s Vattenfall for a potential SMR order. It targets over $2 billion in annual nuclear revenue by the mid-2030s.

  • Denison Mines Corp. (DNN)

Focused on exploration in the Athabasca Basin, Denison’s stock has risen over 35% this year. It invested over $1 million in Foremost Clean Energy and secured a key regulatory approval for its Wheeler River project.

Nuclear ETF Opportunities

Broad investor exposure is available through specialized funds:

  • VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR): up 90.9% year-to-date.
  • Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (SRUUF): up 11.7%.
    (Data as of October 13)

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