The U.S. Nuclear Energy Industry's Progress Toward Expansion
As of Q3 2026, the nuclear energy industry is seeing tangible progress with efforts to restart retired plants and build small modular reactors (SMRs). The Department of Energy aims to add significant capacity by extending existing plant lifespans and improving efficiency. Holtec's Palisades reactor in Michigan and Constellation Energy’s Crane Clean Energy Center are key projects supported by federal loans, aiming for operational returns after decommissioning. Meanwhile, SMR development is advancing with Ontario Power Generation starting construction on the first GE Vernova Hitachi unit at Canada’s Darlington site. BWX Technologies is manufacturing components to support this project, which could become the first commercial SMR in the Western world by 2030. Oklo also achieved a major milestone with its Groves Test Reactor demonstrating sustained nuclear chain reactions. The industry's focus on both traditional and advanced reactor technologies reflects growing interest from investors and policymakers as part of broader clean energy strategies.
Tickers: $BWXT $CEG $GEV $OKLO
Topics: DOE initiatives infrastructure investment nuclear energy renewable energy