Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NuScale reported revenue of $13.4 million for Q1 2025, a significant increase from $1.4 million in the same period last year, driven by fees from engineering and licensing work related to the Row Power project [20] - Operating expenses decreased to $42.3 million in Q1 2025 from $44.6 million in the prior year, and are significantly lower than the average of $69.9 million per quarter in 2023, indicating improved operational efficiency [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Row Power project in Romania is progressing well, with a Class three estimate expected to be delivered by fall 2025, which will facilitate the submission of a final investment decision application to the Romanian government by early Q2 2026 [7][9] - NuScale is the only near-term deployable Small Modular Reactor (SMR) company, having achieved U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) design approval, which positions it ahead of competitors still in the demonstration phase [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NuScale is engaged in discussions with potential customers in the U.S. and internationally, including data centers, utilities, and energy companies, with approximately 10 advanced customer discussions ongoing [12][14] - The company is also exploring applications for carbon-free hydrogen production, which has garnered significant interest from major industrial players [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - NuScale aims to solidify its leadership in the SMR market by enhancing manufacturing and supply chain readiness, with a target delivery date for its first power module set for 2030 [6][11] - The company is focused on securing long-term power purchase agreements with customers, moving beyond preliminary discussions to finalize contracts [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growing demand for clean, reliable energy and the company's ability to meet this demand through its advanced SMR technology [17] - The management is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on operations but does not anticipate any material effects at this time [16] Other Important Information - NuScale's liquidity improved, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $491.4 million and short-term investments of $30 million, primarily due to the successful sale of shares [19] - The company is actively investing in its supply chain and manufacturing readiness to support anticipated customer orders [19][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Definition of a firm customer order by the end of 2025 - Management clarified that a firm customer order refers to customers reaching a final investment decision and that they are currently negotiating term sheets with several customers [24][26] Question: Streamlining the licensing process - Management acknowledged ongoing discussions with the NRC and expressed optimism about potential streamlining, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety standards [30][32] Question: Timeline for module delivery after booking an order - Management indicated that once a contract is signed, they expect to receive cash flow immediately and anticipate that 25% of module costs would be received in the first year [40] Question: Customer discussions and market segments - Management confirmed that customer discussions include coal plant replacements, process companies, and AI-related projects, indicating a diverse market approach [84] Question: Class three estimate details for Row Power - Management explained that the Class three estimate will help Row Power understand the costs to complete the project and is crucial for moving towards a final investment decision [86]

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing energy demands of AI technologies and the potential of nuclear energy, particularly through the innovations of Terrestrial Energy, a startup focused on molten salt reactors [1][4][17]. Group 1: Energy Demand and AI - AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, are consuming significant amounts of electricity, with estimates indicating that the AI industry could require between 85 to 134 terawatt-hours of power annually by 2027, equivalent to the total electricity consumption of Beijing in 2023 [4][17]. - The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, emphasizes the need for breakthroughs in energy supply to support the growing demands of AI [1][4]. Group 2: Terrestrial Energy Overview - Terrestrial Energy, founded in 2012 and based in North Carolina, is developing advanced modular nuclear power plants using integrated molten salt reactor (IMSR) technology, which is significantly smaller and more efficient than traditional nuclear plants [5][6]. - The company plans to go public through a SPAC merger, aiming to raise $280 million, with 60% of the funds allocated for the construction of its first commercial reactor [12][13]. Group 3: Advantages of IMSR Technology - IMSR technology offers enhanced safety, as it eliminates the risk of pipe failures and can automatically flow into a safety container in case of system failure [6]. - The economic benefits include a 50% higher thermal efficiency compared to traditional reactors, a 40% reduction in nuclear waste, and lower maintenance costs due to less frequent fuel changes [9][11]. - IMSR's flexibility allows it to supply power to both large cities and remote areas, and it can store excess energy as heat during low demand periods [9][11]. Group 4: Regulatory and Commercialization Aspects - Terrestrial Energy has successfully navigated regulatory processes, receiving approvals from Canadian and U.S. nuclear regulatory bodies, which boosts investor confidence [11][12]. - The company has established partnerships with major organizations, including Westinghouse Fuels and Schneider Electric, to advance its commercialization efforts [12][11]. Group 5: SPAC Financing Model - The SPAC model provides nuclear startups with significant upfront capital, allowing them to secure funding without the lengthy process of traditional IPOs [13][14]. - SPAC mergers can help avoid market volatility and provide a faster route to public listing, which is particularly beneficial for technology-sensitive sectors like nuclear energy [14][16]. Group 6: Public Sentiment and Market Potential - Public support for nuclear energy in the U.S. has increased, with 77% of Americans favoring its development in 2024, reflecting a significant shift in perception over the past three decades [17][20]. - The global nuclear technology market is projected to be worth nearly a trillion dollars, with annual investments in the sector growing by nearly 50% in the last three years, surpassing $60 billion [17][20].