3 Nuclear Power Stocks Set to Flourish in 2026 on AI Data Center Boom

Industry Overview - The AI-powered data center infrastructure is experiencing significant growth, with global capital expenditure projected to reach approximately $7 trillion by 2030 [1] - The demand for electricity from data centers in the U.S. is expected to rise from 19 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 to 35 GW by 2030 [2] Nuclear Energy Sector - Nuclear energy is gaining traction as a solution to meet increasing global electricity demand and transition to cleaner energy sources [2] - The U.S. aims to increase its nuclear capacity from about 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050 through various executive orders aimed at modernizing the nuclear sector [3] Constellation Energy Corp. (CEG) - CEG is a leading energy company focused on clean energy, particularly nuclear, with a strategic capital expenditure of $5.1 billion planned through 2025 [5] - CEG's nuclear reactors achieved a 98.8% operating rate during mid-2025, powering approximately 16 million homes and businesses [6] - CEG has entered into significant contracts, including a $1.6 billion agreement with Microsoft to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant and a $1 billion deal with the U.S. General Services Administration for clean energy [8][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for CEG are 11% and 22.5%, respectively, for the next year [12] Talen Energy Corp. (TLN) - TLN operates various power plants and is expanding its nuclear energy relationship with Amazon to provide 1,920 megawatts of carbon-free power through 2042 [16][17] - TLN's expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 67.4% and over 100%, respectively, for the next year [17] Dominion Energy Inc. (D) - D is focused on strengthening its electric and natural gas infrastructure while adding renewable assets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 [18] - D is exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) and has signed an MOU with Amazon to enhance potential SMR nuclear development in Virginia [20] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for D are 6.2% and 5.9%, respectively, for the next year [21]