Clean Energy Boom: Why Nuclear Stocks Are Getting Serious Traction Board Attention Now

The nuclear energy sector is experiencing a genuine inflection point. What was once relegated to niche energy discussions has suddenly landed front and center on investors’ radars. The reason? A perfect storm of converging demand drivers: AI data centers running 24/7, electric vehicle adoption accelerating globally, manufacturing reshoring initiatives, and governments finally acknowledging that intermittent renewables alone won’t cut it.

The Real Driver Behind Nuclear’s Resurgence

Unlike solar and wind, nuclear plants operate around the clock with zero carbon output. That consistency matters enormously when data centers are demanding uninterrupted power. The International Energy Agency now projects nuclear energy supply will nearly double from 2020 to 2050—a dramatic statement from a traditionally cautious institution.

The numbers are compelling. Global annual nuclear power investment is forecast to jump from approximately $30 billion in the 2010s to over $100 billion by 2030, with sustained investment above $80 billion annually through 2050. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are particularly exciting—they’re cheaper to build, faster to deploy, and genuinely safer than traditional megareactors.

What’s changed at the policy level matters too. Updated regulatory frameworks and renewed government commitment to uranium supply are removing barriers that previously constrained the sector. Recent facility restarts have signaled to markets: nuclear is back.

Three Companies Capturing This Opportunity

Dominion Energy: Operating four nuclear stations that supply nearly 40% of its total generation, Dominion is doubling down. The company isn’t just maintaining existing capacity—it’s actively evaluating SMRs for future deployment. With electricity demand climbing due to EV growth and data center expansion, Dominion is positioning its nuclear portfolio as the reliable backbone supporting its 2050 net-zero commitment.

Ameren Corporation: Already holding a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license for its Callaway Energy Center through 2044, Ameren has ambitious expansion plans. The company intends to add 1,500 MW of new nuclear generating capacity by 2045. It’s also monitoring emerging SMR technologies. This positioning directly addresses the surging clean power demand from major computing operations.

BWX Technologies: Through its BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, this company supplies critical reactor systems and components—including Navy submarine reactors and aircraft carrier systems. The recent Kinectrics acquisition expands its lifecycle management services for global nuclear operations. In October, BWX secured a landmark 10-year, $1.6 billion Department of Energy contract for depleted uranium supply, signaling sustained federal commitment.

Additional Names to Consider

Entergy Corporation, Oklo Inc., and Constellation Energy Corporation also offer exposure to nuclear’s structural tailwinds, each with different risk/reward profiles.

Why Nuclear Gets Land Efficiency Too

One often-overlooked advantage: nuclear plants generate substantial clean electricity using minimal land compared to solar and wind farms. Combined with systematic, secure waste management protocols, nuclear addresses environmental concerns beyond just carbon emissions.

The traction board is lighting up with nuclear opportunities. Whether you’re analyzing regulatory trends, investment flows, or company-specific catalysts, this sector warrants serious attention. The confluence of policy support, technological advancement, and genuine power demand creates genuine long-term tailwinds that extend well beyond this investment cycle.