Core Insights - The nuclear energy sector is experiencing significant growth, with leading companies like NuScale Power seeing stock increases of over 120% this year, indicating strong market interest and investment in nuclear fusion technology [2] - Global competition in nuclear fusion is intensifying, with countries like China and the U.S. ramping up investments and strategic initiatives to secure technological and material advantages [4][5] Investment Trends - China has invested at least $6.5 billion in nuclear fusion since 2023, significantly outpacing the U.S. Department of Energy's budget for fusion research [4] - The total investment in the global fusion industry is projected to rise from $1.9 billion in 2021 to $9.7 billion by 2025, reflecting a more than fivefold increase [6] Technological Advancements - The pace of technological development in nuclear fusion is faster than anticipated, with 35 out of 45 surveyed fusion companies expecting to operate commercial demonstration plants by 2030-2035 [6] - China's "Eastern Super Ring" Tokamak device has achieved a world record by maintaining plasma at 1 million degrees Celsius for 1066 seconds [6] Industry Opportunities - The nuclear fusion supply chain is becoming clearer, with key components like superconducting magnets and vacuum chambers showing significant market potential [7][10] - Companies like China National Nuclear Corporation and Dongfang Electric are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for nuclear power, especially in the context of AI data centers [12] Market Dynamics - The explosion of AI data centers is driving demand for stable, zero-carbon energy sources, with nuclear power emerging as a preferred option for tech giants [12] - In China, the procurement of nuclear power for AI data centers surged by 120% in the first half of 2025, leading to increased orders for nuclear fuel and equipment [12] Future Outlook - The nuclear energy sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with companies that can leverage technological breakthroughs and secure orders likely to see substantial growth [14] - Ongoing monitoring of policy, technology, and market dynamics will be essential for identifying investment opportunities in the complex nuclear fusion landscape [14]