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How to Invest in Nuclear Energy in the UK (2025 Guide)
Ruby Layram
19th Dec 2025
There’s been a lot of buzz about nuclear energy lately, and understandably so. With rising power demand, net-zero commitments, and questions about energy security, nuclear is back in the spotlight as a potential long-term pillar of the UK’s energy mix.
But how do everyday investors actually put their money into nuclear energy, especially from the UK?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the main ways to invest, what you should consider, and how to do it in a sensible, diversified way
Also read: How to Buy Crypto ETNs
Why Nuclear Energy Is an Interesting Investment Theme Right Now
Before we talk how, let’s talk why nuclear is gaining attention:
1. Energy Security and Policy Support
The UK government has signalled stronger support for nuclear projects to reduce dependence on imports and volatile markets.
2. Net-Zero Goals
Low-carbon power sources like nuclear are part of the strategy to hit climate targets, alongside renewables like wind and solar.
3. Long-Term Infrastructure Demand
Plants like Hinkley Point C and proposed small modular reactors (SMRs) require decades of investment, making nuclear an infrastructure theme, not a short-term bet.
4. Reliable Baseload Power
Unlike wind or solar, nuclear provides continuous (“baseload”) power, which makes it attractive to utilities and grid operators.
Important Things to Consider Before You Invest
Investing in a theme like nuclear isn’t like buying shares in a single company, there are a few unique factors to weigh up:
- Innovation vs Regulation: Nuclear projects are highly regulated and long to permit, this slows returns but improves predictability.
- High Capital Costs: Building nuclear plants is expensive and takes years; profits often rely on long-term contracts.
- Market Cycles: Nuclear tends to be a long-term investment theme tied to big policy and infrastructure cycles.
- Technology Risk: New technologies (like small modular reactors or SMRs) are promising but still emerging.
Ways UK Investors Can Invest in Nuclear Energy
There are three main paths: ETFs, individual stocks, and startups/private opportunities.
Let’s take each in turn.
1. Invest Via ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
ETFs are one of the easiest ways for UK investors to gain diversified exposure to nuclear energy without picking individual companies.
Why ETFs are useful for nuclear investing:
- They spread your money across multiple companies
- They reduce company-specific risk
- They trade like shares on stock markets (easy to buy/sell)
- Some are thematic, focusing on energy transition including nuclear
Example nuclear-oriented ETFs accessible to UK investors:
- Global nuclear power ETFs: usually track an index of companies involved in nuclear energy (utilities, equipment makers, services, technology)
- Clean energy ETFs with nuclear exposure: broader renewable and low-carbon energy baskets that include nuclear players.
How to buy them:
- Choose a UK broker/platform (e.g., Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, Freetrade)
- Search for the ETF ticker (e.g., nuclear, clean energy theme)
- Buy within an ISA or SIPP for tax-efficient investing (Note: always check fees and geographic exposure, some nuclear ETFs may include a lot of non-UK companies.)
2. Invest in Individual Stocks
If you’re comfortable researching individual companies and understand the risks, buying shares is another option.
Types of publicly traded nuclear energy stocks:
a) Utilities with Nuclear Generation
These are power companies that own and operate nuclear plants.
Examples (often available on UK and international markets):
- EDF (Électricité de France): major nuclear operator
- Exelon: large U.S. nuclear fleet
- Entergy: U.S. nuclear and utilities
b) Nuclear Technology & Services Companies
These firms build reactors, supply fuel, or provide engineering services:
- Rolls-Royce (via SMR initiatives): developing small modular reactors (SMRs)
- BWX Technologies: U.S. firm specializing in nuclear components
- Cameco: uranium producer (indirect nuclear exposure)
- Important: Not all nuclear stocks are cheap or stable, some trade at premiums or depend on large government contracts.
3. Invest in Startups & Early-Stage Nuclear Tech
- A growing part of the nuclear theme is innovation, especially small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.
- These opportunities tend to be less accessible on public markets but can be found through:
a) Thematic Investment Platforms
- Some specialist platforms curate energy transition or deep-tech funds that include early-stage nuclear innovators.
b) Venture Capital / Crowdfunding
- Occasionally, advanced nuclear startups raise capital through high-risk investment rounds or crowdfunding.
Examples of areas attracting innovation funding:
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Advanced reactor designs (e.g., molten salt, thorium)
- Nuclear waste reduction technologies
- Fuel cycle and recycling innovations
Important: These are high-risk, high-reward opportunities, not suitable for everyone. Treat them as a small satellite portion of a broader portfolio.
Tips for UK Investors
The nuclear energy industry is gaining momentum. Which makes it an exciting, if not risky, investment opportunity. Here are some top tips to navigate the landscape with confidence:
- Start with a clear goal: Are you investing for growth, income, diversification, or energy transition exposure? Your purpose influences how and where you invest.
- Don’t put all your nuclear eggs in one basket: Opportunity in nuclear is exciting, but it’s wise to pair it with broader energy and diversified equities.
- Use tax-efficient wrappers: Buy nuclear stocks and ETFs inside a UK ISA or SIPP to maximise long-term returns.
- Understand the time horizon: This isn’t a “quick flip” theme, nuclear exposure rewards long-term thinking.
Final Thoughts
Nuclear energy is back on the agenda as a core part of the UK’s energy future, and that’s creating investment opportunities you couldn’t ignore if you’re thinking long term.
Whether you choose ETFs for broad exposure, stocks for targeted bets, or innovative nuclear tech for high-growth potential, the key is to do your homework, know your goals, and invest in a way that fits your life and your risk tolerance.
Nuclear investing isn’t just about power plants; it’s about powering your financial future, too.
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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