Is the Nuclear Power Comeback Real? Here's the Best Way to Invest in It.
It's certainly not what LL Cool J had in mind when he wrote the lyrics to Mama Said Knock You Out, but the opening lines, "Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years," certainly ring true with nuclear energy. After years of unpopularity, nuclear energy has seen a surge in interest as data center operators scramble to secure an adequate power supply to meet the high power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) computing.
From companies pioneering the development of advanced nuclear reactors to those providing the fuel that makes nuclear power possible, there are a variety of investment opportunities -- but one shines brighter than the rest.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Unlike some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold hundreds of securities, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NYSEMKT: NLR) holds only 29. But don't let its limited portfolio size fool you. The ETF holds a wide range of industry leaders, representing various links in the nuclear energy industry value chain.
As AI tools have soared in popularity, many data center operators have turned to companies developing small modular reactors (SMRs) to ensure an adequate power supply. Consequently, investors have a great opportunity to gain exposure to these industry leaders by investing in the fund, with NuScale Power and Oklo each holding a 4.5% and 4.3% weighting, respectively.
The ETF also includes established uranium mining companies and nuclear fuel stocks, which mitigates the risk of the more speculative stocks it holds. Cameco, a global leader in high-grade uranium production and a consistently profitable company, is the ETF's second-largest holding. Similarly, Centrus Energy has a prominent position with a 5.8% weighting, and it's one of the few companies that has received regulatory approval to produce the high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) that next-generation nuclear reactors require.
There's strong growth potential for many nuclear energy stocks, but substantial risks exist as many of these businesses aren't generating revenue yet. For those seeking a conservative approach to this burgeoning industry, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF is a great option.
Before you buy stock in VanEck ETF Trust - VanEck Uranium And Nuclear ETF, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and VanEck ETF Trust - VanEck Uranium And Nuclear ETF wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut are built for long-term growth and could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $396,758!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,300,820!*
That performance is why people listen. With a track record of beating the S&P 500 by 4x, Stock Advisor offers a distinct advantage. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built for the long haul.
*Stock Advisor returns as of August 6, 2026.
Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cameco. The Motley Fool recommends NuScale Power. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Is the Nuclear Power Comeback Real? Here's the Best Way to Invest in It. was originally published by The Motley Fool