Summary of Key Points from the Nuclear Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the nuclear industry, particularly the outlook for 2026 and beyond, including supply and demand forecasts, pricing, and investor positioning in nuclear equities [1][2]. Core Themes and Insights 1. US Government Investment in Nuclear - The US government has partnered with Cameco (CCJ), Westinghouse, and Brookfield, committing over $80 billion to support new large-scale nuclear projects [2][3]. - This investment aims to jumpstart supply chains and mitigate costs for initial projects, addressing concerns from utilities about previous project overruns, such as the Vogtle project, which exceeded its budget by approximately $17 billion [3]. 2. Future Nuclear Projects and Technology - The announcement of new nuclear Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) is expected to correlate with available capital and the risk profile of developers. Larger projects, particularly AP1000 technology, are favored over Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) due to established data and government backing [4][6]. - The first large nuclear reactor FID in the US could be announced as early as the first half of 2026 [6]. 3. Uranium Pricing Outlook - Uranium prices are projected to rise, with long-term prices increasing from $80/lb to $86/lb since August 2025, driven by renewed nuclear power demand and contracting activity [9][41]. - Spot prices are expected to reach approximately $91/lb by the end of 2026, up from around $76/lb currently [9]. 4. Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Developments - Urenco plans to add 700,000 SWU/year capacity at its New Mexico facility by 2025, and Orano is investing $1.8 billion to increase enrichment capacity by 2.5 million SWU by 2028 [10]. - Updates on uranium refining and conversion capacity expansions are anticipated in 2026 [10]. 5. Policy and Regulatory Issues - A final ruling on a Section 232 investigation into uranium imports is pending, which could impact uranium pricing depending on the outcome [11]. - Historical context includes a previous investigation in 2019 that did not result in restrictions but highlighted national security concerns regarding the nuclear fuel supply chain [13]. 6. Catalysts for SMR Companies - 2026 is expected to see an acceleration of catalysts for SMR companies, including customer contracts and progress on the DOE's reactor pilot programs targeting criticality for at least three SMR projects by July 2026 [14]. - The European Commission's Strategic Action Plan for SMRs is also anticipated in early 2026 [14]. 7. Uranium Supply Updates - Key updates include a public hearing on NexGen's Rook 1 project, which could significantly impact uranium supply in the 2030s [15]. - Kazatomprom has revised its 2026 production guidance down by approximately 10% [16]. Additional Insights - The cumulative uranium deficit is projected to reach 1,914 million lbs between 2025-2045, indicating a structural supply-demand imbalance [24]. - The nuclear sector has seen significant equity performance, with Goldman Sachs' nuclear coverage outperforming the S&P 500 by 124% year-to-date [45]. - Investor interest has shifted towards upstream uranium producers like CCJ and UEC, with expectations of continued upward pressure on uranium prices due to increasing demand from new reactor builds [52]. Conclusion - The nuclear industry is poised for significant growth driven by government investments, rising uranium prices, and a focus on large-scale reactor construction. The landscape for SMRs and uranium supply chains will be critical to monitor as developments unfold in 2026 and beyond [1][50].