Small modular reactors (SMRs)
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Key themes 2025: what data centres, tariffs and grid bottlenecks mean for the energy transition
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-15 13:24
Core Insights - Data centres are significantly driving global electricity demand, projected to consume 945 terawatt-hours by 2030, which is about 3% of global consumption [4] - The energy industry is adapting to meet the rising demand from data centres through various strategies, including co-locating data centres with power generation facilities and negotiating long-term power purchase agreements [2][3] - The relationship between data centres and energy sources is complex, with gas and coal expected to meet over 40% of data centre electricity demand until at least 2030, while renewables are anticipated to increase their share significantly [7][8] Group 1: Data Centre Demand and Energy Supply - Data centres are becoming a major driver of electricity demand, expected to use more power than all other energy-intensive industries combined in the US by 2030 [4] - The rapid growth of data centres is complicating the energy transition, potentially delaying the retirement of fossil fuel capacity due to increased reliance on gas [7] - Hyperscalers are major buyers of renewables and are investing in energy storage and advanced grid technologies to support their operations [8][9] Group 2: Energy Transition Challenges - The power industry is facing challenges in meeting the energy needs of data centres, as energy systems often take longer to develop than the centres themselves [3] - Gas-fired power is seen as a solution for grid stability, but the gas industry is struggling with supply issues, leading to delays in turbine deliveries and increased project costs [17] - The renewable energy supply chain is facing pressures from tariffs and trade policies, which could hinder deployment despite the growth in solar module production [19][20] Group 3: Nuclear Power and Future Projections - Nuclear power is emerging as a viable option for co-locating with data centres due to its stable load profile, with small modular reactors (SMRs) being particularly promising [11][14] - Policy support for SMR projects is increasing, making them more bankable and likely to be deployed for data centres in the coming years [13] - GlobalData forecasts that at least 3GW of additional data centre-linked SMR capacity will be commissioned in the next three years, with nuclear deployment peaking between 2031 and 2035 [14] Group 4: Grid Infrastructure and Storage Solutions - Despite investments in transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure, power grids are still struggling to keep pace with new capacity, leading to longer interconnection queues [25] - Grid reforms are being implemented to ease constraints, with various countries updating regulatory rules to streamline connection processes [26] - Energy storage, particularly battery technology, is becoming essential for modern power systems, with significant increases in capacity expected in the coming years [30]
Can OKLO Stock Beat the Market?
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-09 12:40
Core Insights - The significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on daily life is evident, but the ability of data centers to secure sufficient power supply is crucial for supporting AI computing demands, which is where Oklo's advanced nuclear power solutions come into play [1] Company Performance - Oklo's stock has surged approximately 400% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which has risen about 17% during the same period [2] - The company's past performance has been driven by key agreements, including a landmark deal with Switch in December 2024 and a partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power in May, indicating strong demand for its small modular reactors (SMRs) [4] - A major catalyst for the stock's rise has been President Donald Trump's executive orders, which have revitalized the nuclear energy industry in the U.S. [5] Recent Developments - Recently, Oklo announced progress in developing its Aurora powerhouse at Idaho National Laboratory, signing an agreement with Siemens Energy to initiate engineering and design activities for the power conversion system [6] - The stock has attracted significant interest from growth investors due to the substantial market opportunity presented by Oklo's innovative approach to meeting the power needs of data center operators [9] Future Potential - Oklo is developing advanced nuclear reactors with various applications, including for data centers, and there is potential for the stock to continue outperforming the market [8] - If Oklo successfully advances its Aurora powerhouse from prototype to commercial operations, it is likely to attract even more investor interest [9]
Is NuScale Power Stock's Big Price Drop an Opportunity to Buy?
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-20 15:05
Core Insights - NuScale Power is developing small modular reactors (SMRs) that are smaller, quicker to construct, and suitable for remote locations, making them a unique offering in the U.S. nuclear energy market [1] - The stock of NuScale Power surged 200% in 2025 due to supportive policies from the Trump administration and the U.S. Army's Janus program announcement, indicating strong investor interest [2] - As of November 13, 2025, NuScale Power shares were priced at $23.15, reflecting a 7.33% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 19.9 percentage points [3] Investment Activity - Samsung C&T Corp increased its holdings in NuScale Power by 2,578,702 shares in Q3 2025, raising the total stake to 5,185,804 shares valued at approximately $186.69 million [4] - Institutional investors like Samsung C&T are capitalizing on the nuclear energy boom driven by rising demand for clean energy from sectors such as AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing [5] Market Potential - NuScale Power's commercialization partner, ENTRA1 Energy, is securing significant contracts, highlighting the growth potential for NuScale Power [6] - Despite the potential, NuScale Power has yet to bring its SMR technology to market and generate revenue, indicating possible stock volatility [6]
If You'd Invested $1,000 in Oklo Stock 1 Year Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-11-09 12:07
Core Insights - The nuclear sector, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), is experiencing significant growth, with Oklo being a leading player in this space [1][2] - Oklo's innovative approach involves co-locating SMRs with AI data centers to optimize energy efficiency and cooling systems [2] - The company's valuation has reached $16.6 billion despite currently lacking revenue, indicating strong investor interest [3] Financial Performance - Oklo's stock has surged approximately 419% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 13.5% return [4] - An investment of $1,000 in Oklo stock one year ago would now be worth $5,189, compared to $1,135 for the same investment in the S&P 500 [6] - Despite a recent decline of 35% from its October high, there is potential for further growth in Oklo's stock [6]
Prediction: Here's What's Next for High-Flying Oklo Stock in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2025-10-13 07:12
Core Insights - Nuclear energy is emerging as a significant opportunity alongside the AI infrastructure boom, with investors focusing on technology giants as primary beneficiaries [1] - Oklo, a nuclear energy company, has seen its shares surge by 1,130% over the past year, driven by the demand for small modular reactors (SMRs) to power data centers [3] Company Overview - Oklo's mission is to design and build small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the increasing electricity demand driven by AI expansion, with a market potential estimated at $10 trillion [3] - Despite its impressive stock performance, Oklo currently lacks revenue and profits, with future growth likely dependent on partnerships rather than immediate financial returns [4][5] Financial Considerations - Oklo's market capitalization has reached $20 billion, reflecting a valuation typical of mature energy companies, despite not generating any revenue [6] - The company may need to raise additional capital through secondary stock offerings to sustain operations, which could lead to dilution of existing shares [7][8] Market Perception - Oklo is increasingly viewed as a meme stock, driven by speculative optimism rather than solid business fundamentals, similar to trends seen during the dot-com era [9][10] - The current investment in Oklo is characterized as a wager on narrative rather than a proven enterprise, making it more appealing to retail investors than institutional ones [11] Future Outlook - While Oklo could become a significant player in nuclear energy, this is contingent upon the maturation of its technology and financials, with current stock momentum presenting potential selling opportunities [12]
Rising Clean Energy Demand Fuels Renewed Interest in Nuclear Stocks
ZACKS· 2025-10-07 15:06
Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a crucial solution for meeting the growing global electricity demand while facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources [2] - The nuclear industry is benefiting from regulatory reforms and advancements in technology, including microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) [3] - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that nuclear power supply will nearly double from 2020 to 2050, with significant growth expected in SMRs [5] Investment Opportunities - Nuclear energy-related stocks, such as BWX Technologies, Dominion Energy, and Duke Energy, are becoming attractive investment options due to their stable and reliable energy output [4] - Companies like Uranium Energy and BHP Group Limited are positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for uranium, essential for nuclear power plants [7] - The potential for significant growth in nuclear energy stocks is highlighted, with additional opportunities in companies like The Southern Company and NextEra Energy [8] Company Insights - BWX Technologies has secured a 10-year, $1.6 billion contract from the Department of Energy to support national security through the supply of high-purity depleted uranium [11] - Dominion Energy operates four nuclear power stations, generating nearly 40% of its total production, and is exploring next-generation nuclear technologies, particularly SMRs [12][13] - Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units capable of producing approximately 10,700 megawatts of clean electricity, accounting for 27.5% of its total output in 2024 [15]
11 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Invest in Right Now
Insider Monkey· 2025-09-24 01:06
Industry Overview - The US nuclear energy industry is experiencing a significant boost following President Trump's executive order aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and increasing nuclear capacity fourfold to enhance energy security amid rising electricity demand from AI-powered data centers [2][3] - The strategy emphasizes domestic nuclear fuel extraction and enrichment to reduce reliance on imports from China and Russia, with the International Atomic Energy Agency predicting a potential increase in global nuclear capacity by up to 2.5 times by 2050 [3] Government Initiatives - A new nuclear power agreement between the United States and Britain is set to be signed during President Trump's state visit, aimed at attracting investment and accelerating the construction of new nuclear plants [4] - The British government is supporting Rolls-Royce in its efforts to build the first compact modular reactors in the UK, with a commitment of £19 billion ($25 billion) for a new plant at Sizewell C [4] Company Highlights - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE:UUUU) reached a 52-week high of $14.42 on September 19, 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence in its ability to meet the growing demand for nuclear fuel and critical minerals [11] - The company has successfully produced high-purity neodymium-praseodymium oxide for electric vehicle magnets, enhancing its position in the "mine-to-magnet" rare earth supply chain [12] - Denison Mines Corp. (NYSE:DNN) acquired 485,000 shares of Foremost Clean Energy Ltd. for approximately $1.07 million, increasing its stake to about 19.17%, indicating strategic interest in uranium exploration [14][15] - Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) achieved a new 52-week high of $265.48 on September 19, 2025, showcasing its strong market position and liquidity, while also being well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the nuclear fuel supply chain [18][19]
ETFs to Play the Potential $10 Trillion Nuclear Surge
ZACKS· 2025-09-19 16:51
Core Insights - Nuclear power is becoming increasingly important due to rising demand for AI and reliable energy generation, particularly for data centers that support AI applications [1][5] - A Bank of America report estimates that nuclear power represents a $10 trillion opportunity to address global energy shortages, driven by strong demand, government support, and a positive public outlook [2] - Goldman Sachs projects a significant increase in nuclear energy supply in the coming years, driven by the need for cleaner energy and reliable electricity [3] Industry Trends - The Trump administration is prioritizing nuclear power over wind and solar, offering support through loan guarantees and tax incentives [4] - The global AI market is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2031, increasing the demand for nuclear power as tech companies invest in data centers [6] - Nuclear capacity needs to triple by 2050 to support global electrification, with over $3 trillion in investments projected over the next 25 years [7] Technological Developments - Small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a solution to the challenges faced by large nuclear plants, potentially speeding up the deployment of new facilities [9] - SMRs are considered one of the most consequential energy technologies for the next 25 years, crucial for meeting rising energy demands [9] Investment Opportunities - Nuclear-focused ETFs are gaining momentum, reflecting a bullish outlook from investors [10] - Notable performance of nuclear ETFs includes: - VanEck Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (NLR): +22.02% over the past three months, +58.34% over the past year [10] - Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ): +16.17% over the past three months, +78.76% over the past year [11] - Themes Uranium & Nuclear ETF (URAN): +15.8% over the past three months, +37.54% year to date [11] - Global X Uranium ETF (URA): +27.07% over the past three months, +62.28% over the past year [11] - Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ): +34.10% over the past three months, +26.76% over the past year [11]
3 AI-Powered Nuclear Energy OEMs With More Upside Post Solid Q2 Results
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 12:20
Industry Overview - The AI-powered data center industry is experiencing significant growth, with nuclear energy emerging as a key solution to meet rising global electricity demand and transition to cleaner energy sources [1] - President Donald Trump has issued four executive orders to modernize the U.S. nuclear sector, aiming to increase nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050 [2] Company Performance - Mirion Technologies Inc. reported adjusted EPS of $0.11 and revenues of $222.9 million, exceeding estimates by 4.2% [6][10] - BWX Technologies Inc. achieved adjusted EPS of $1.02 and revenues of $764.04 million, surpassing estimates by 6.7% [12][10] - GE Vernova Inc. posted quarterly earnings of $1.86 per share and revenues of $9.11 billion, exceeding estimates by 3.3% [24][10] Future Outlook - Mirion Technologies expects revenue growth of 7% to 9% year-over-year in 2025, with adjusted EPS projected at $0.48 to $0.52 [7] - BWX Technologies anticipates total revenues of $3.1 billion in 2025, an increase from the previous estimate of $3 billion [12] - GE Vernova forecasts 2025 revenues to trend toward the upper end of $36–37 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA margin projected to grow to 8–9% [25] Market Demand and Trends - The demand for nuclear energy is significantly boosting the need for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the sector [3] - Mirion Technologies is focusing on digital innovation in radiation safety solutions, partnering with Westinghouse Electric Company [9] - BWX Technologies is benefiting from strong bookings and government contracts, with a total backlog reaching $6 billion, up 70% year-over-year [17] Strategic Initiatives - Mirion Technologies is expanding its reach in next-generation nuclear energy by collaborating with small modular reactor developers [8] - BWX Technologies is working with the U.S. government on advanced nuclear reactor projects and has secured new contracts in the defense market [19] - GE Vernova is enhancing its nuclear power business through collaborations for the deployment of its BWX-300 small modular reactors [28][29]
Rolls Royce Ramps Up US MTU Engine Build: Worth Buying the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-16 13:26
Core Insights - Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc is investing $75 million to expand its Aiken, SC facility to increase production of MTU Series 4000 engines, addressing rising U.S. demand for high-power backup generators [1][9] - The company previously announced a $24 million investment in its Mankato, MN facility, which is expected to boost production of MTU Series 4000 generator sets by over 120% by 2026 [2][9] - The MTU Series 4000 engines are crucial for powering essential infrastructures such as hospitals, airports, and data centers [3] Company Performance - Rolls-Royce shares have increased by 88.8% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry's growth of 25.7% and the broader Zacks Aerospace sector's gain of 25.9% [5][9] - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E of 34.93X, which is a discount compared to the industry average of 49.12X, indicating a favorable valuation for investors [19][20] Industry Context - The expansion of manufacturing capacity for MTU engines is timely given the increasing energy demand in the U.S., which may present investment opportunities in Rolls-Royce [4][9] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from rising global air traffic, which is driving demand for commercial jets and aircraft engines [10] - The Defence segment is gaining traction due to increased global defense spending amid geopolitical tensions, with recent contract wins expected to bolster long-term revenue growth [11] Future Growth Prospects - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 24.4% year-over-year growth in sales for 2025 and an 8.5% improvement for 2026, reflecting positive growth expectations [15] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 also show an upward trend, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's earnings potential [15][17] Technological Advancements - Rolls-Royce is advancing in clean energy technologies, including hydrogen-powered engines and sustainable aviation fuel, which are expected to enhance its market position [12][13] - The company has made significant improvements to its Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engines, which are anticipated to extend engine life by 30% by the end of 2025, potentially unlocking new contracts [10]