Nuclear Energy's Golden Moment: Why Smart Money Is Picking These Stocks in 2025

The nuclear energy sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge. With Trump’s administration pushing aggressive capacity expansion, AI data centers demanding massive reliable power supplies, and the global energy transition accelerating, the conditions have never been more favorable for nuclear investments.

The Powerhouse Play: Why Constellation Energy Dominates

Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG) stands out as the clear leader among nuclear companies operating in this boom environment. Since its 2022 spinoff from Exelon, the company has positioned itself as America’s premier carbon-free energy producer, controlling the nation’s largest nuclear fleet.

The momentum is undeniable. Constellation Energy is acquiring Calpine in a $16.4 billion transaction—including $12.7 billion in debt—which will nearly double its generating capacity to 60 GW. This expansion directly targets fast-growing AI infrastructure markets, particularly in Texas.

What truly validates the nuclear thesis is the deal flow. Constellation signed its largest power purchase agreement ever with Microsoft, committing to a 20-year supply contract. The company is restarting the shuttered Three Mile Island Unit 1 (rebranded as Crane Clean Energy Center) specifically to power Microsoft’s data centers. In June, another 20-year PPA came through with Meta Platforms.

Beyond growth, Constellation Energy returns cash to shareholders through regular dividends (including a 10% raise this year) and aggressive share buybacks.

The Diversified Approach: Nuclear Energy Through an ETF Lens

For investors wanting broader exposure without betting everything on one stock, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NYSEMKT: NLR) provides systematic access to the entire nuclear ecosystem. As of late 2025, the fund held 28 positions spanning uranium miners, reactor developers, utilities, and component suppliers.

The top holdings reveal the sector’s diversity:

• Oklo (8.63%): Small modular reactor technology
• Constellation Energy (7.4%): Nuclear power generation
• Cameco (6.92%): Uranium fuel and services
• Centrus Energy (6.57%): Uranium enrichment capabilities
• BWX Technologies (6%): Navy nuclear components

The ETF’s global index exposure captures nuclear companies across Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, China, and the U.K.—not just U.S.-listed names. With a net expense ratio of 0.56% and a 30-day SEC yield of 0.86%, the fund offers an efficient way to participate in nuclear energy’s expansion.

Building Your Nuclear Position

The strategic choice depends on your risk appetite. Pure growth seekers gravitate toward Constellation Energy—a direct play on the industry’s consolidation and AI power demand. More conservative investors might split exposure: core holdings in Constellation Energy stock plus complementary positions in the VanEck Nuclear ETF for sector diversification.

Either way, the nuclear energy thesis remains compelling. Whether through individual nuclear companies or a broad-based fund approach, the window to participate in this structural upgrade appears wide open.