Jasmine Birtles
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How to Invest in Nuclear Energy in the UK 2025
Ruby Layram
9th Oct 2025
What’s that big new buzz in sustainable energy? It’s nuclear power. Once sidelined, now re-emerging. Between climate pressures, rising electricity demand (especially from AI & data centres), and renewed government support, nuclear is looking like a good opportunity for investors.
But what exactly is Nuclear energy, and how can you invest in it? In this post, I will explain everything you need to know and how to get started.
Also read: 5 Best Sustainable Investment Platforms for UK Investors
What Is Nuclear Energy?
At its core, today’s nuclear power is based on fission: splitting heavy atoms (usually uranium) to release heat, which then creates steam and spins turbines to produce electricity.
It’s not solar or wind, it’s baseload, 24/7 power. Unlike renewables, it doesn’t depend on sun or wind. The catch? High capital cost, regulatory complexity, long lead times, and waste disposal.
Recently, SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and advanced designs are getting attention because they promise smaller scale builds, modular factory manufacture, quicker deployment, and lower upfront cost (though many are still unproven!).
Why Nuclear Might Be a Good Investment (Right Now)
Nuclear power went out of trend for a while but it seems to be making a comeback! Here are a few reasons why.
- Massive electricity demand growth: AI, data centres, crypto servers, EV charging grids all need stable power.
- Clean / zero-carbon credentials: nuclear emits near zero carbon during operation, making it a key “firm power” complement to renewables.
- Policy tailwinds: governments are backing nuclear again. In the US, executive orders have bolstered domestic uranium mining and reactor build incentives.
- Valuation dislocation: many companies in the nuclear or uranium space were beaten down for years; some are now rallying as sentiment shifts.
- Infrastructure multiplier: nuclear projects create long value chains: mining, fuel processing, reactor design, maintenance, cooling, waste handling.
Because of all that, some investors see nuclear as part “clean energy ” + part “infrastructure / industrial revolution” bet. There’s a lot on offer!
The Ethical & Risk Objections (Why Some Investors Stay Away)
Of course, this isn’t a one-way street. A lot of people reject nuclear on moral, safety or environmental concerns. Here are the common objections:
- Nuclear waste & long half-life: spent fuel remains radioactive for decades / centuries. What to do with it?
- Accident risk: high-profile disasters (Chernobyl, Fukushima) left lasting scars on public perception.
- Cost overruns & delays: many nuclear projects run late and over budget.
- Uranium mining impact: mining is energy- and water-intensive, and can involve environmental or social issues.
- Weapon proliferation fears: nuclear technology is close to sensitive knowledge, so security and regulation are always concerns.
So yes, there’s promise, but also serious responsibilities and risks to understand before diving in.
How to Invest in Nuclear Energy
It is possible to invest in nuclear energy via stocks or ETFs (a basket of different stocks).
Nuclear / Uranium ETFs
ETFs spread the risk by bundling many companies in the nuclear / uranium sector. Examples include:
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VanEck Nuclear ETF (NUCL): offers exposure to uranium mining and nuclear infrastructure.
Other ETFs in this space (uranium / nuclear infrastructure) show up in ETF databases with sector weighting, liquidity, and cost data.
Using an ETF means you don’t have to pick the “right” company; you ride the sector’s overall momentum (with less single-stock risk).
Individual Stocks / Companies
If you want more upside (and more risk), you can pick individual plays across the nuclear chain:
- Uranium miners & refiners (fuel side)
- Reactor / SMR developers
- Plant operators / power generators
- Infrastructure / service vendors (cooling systems, component manufacturing, maintenance)
Just know, many of these are early-stage, volatile, and very sensitive to regulation, capital cost, and execution.
Top 5 Nuclear Stocks to Watch in 2025
Here’s a shortlist (non-recommendation, do your due diligence) of nuclear / uranium names getting attention in 2025:
| Company | Why It’s Interesting |
|---|---|
| Cameco (CCJ) | One of the world’s largest uranium producers. Recently strengthened position by taking stake in Westinghouse. |
| GE Vernova (GEV) | Rare case of a large industrial conglomerate with deep roots in nuclear technology, focusing on energy, including reactors. |
| Constellation Energy (CEG) | Owns large U.S. nuclear fleet (unregulated), expanding into power deals and AI/tech partnerships. |
| Oklo Inc. (OKLO) | Advanced/compact reactor developer. Very early stage, high risk, high reward. |
| NuScale Power (SMR) | Pioneer in small modular reactors; has received regulatory approvals and is working to commercialize. |
Tips Before You Dive In (Safety Checklist)
- Understand each company’s cash burn and balance sheet (the numbers!), many are unprofitable or early-stage.
- Be careful with valuation; many stocks have run far ahead of fundamentals.
- Know the regulatory landscape (nuclear regulation is intense).
- Use ETFs to ease exposure if you don’t want stock-specific risk.
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Treat nuclear as a long-term theme, it doesn’t usually move fast in straight lines.
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Respect your ethical boundaries, if you don’t want exposure to waste, mining, or nuclear risk, maybe this isn’t your core bet.
Final Thoughts
Nuclear energy is no longer the “dark horse” in clean tech, it’s being pulled in by electricity demand, climate targets, and infrastructure upgrades. That makes it worthy of attention by investors who want a smart, contrarian tilt.
If you play it right, combining ETFs, careful stock picks, and patience, nuclear could provide something rare, growth with a mission.
As always, only invest money that you can afford to love and stay up-to-date with the latest industry development to make sure that you’re making informed decisions.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here, including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies, are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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