With energy shortages and geopolitical tensions rising, nuclear power is making a serious comeback. Uranium prices are soaring, with futures hitting $83 per pound in October, the highest in two months. This surge highlights a renewed focus on nuclear energy as a key player in the future of global energy.
Governments around the world, from the U.S. to China, are increasingly relying on nuclear power, not just to meet growing energy demands, but to secure their energy future in these uncertain times. Leaders are betting big on nuclear, viewing it as essential for cutting carbon emissions and achieving energy independence.
This article explores the global rise of nuclear energy and how savvy investors can capitalize on it through Nuclear ETFs.
Global Nuclear Expansion and Geopolitical Factors
Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance across the globe. Governments are turning to nuclear power not only to meet energy demands but also to enhance energy security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. For example, President Biden's administration in the U.S. sees nuclear energy as essential to maintaining the country's energy supply, with a focus on restarting nuclear plants.
Policy support for nuclear energy has strengthened in recent years. In December 2023, over 20 countries committed to tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050. Europe, in particular, is making significant strides, with Belgium extending reactor operations and Sweden prioritizing new nuclear projects.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are also gaining momentum, with several projects expected to come online by 2030. Even major tech companies like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) are now exploring nuclear energy to power their data centers amid the ongoing AI revolution, highlighting both the versatility and the long-term potential of nuclear power.
China's Leading Role in the Nuclear Renaissance
China, the world’s second-largest nuclear power generator, is at the forefront of the global nuclear energy resurgence. The country is currently constructing 22 of the 58 nuclear reactors being built worldwide, signaling a long-term commitment to nuclear energy. The push for nuclear is further supported by monetary stimulus and fiscal policies from the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), which has increased investments in energy infrastructure, including nuclear power. This renewed focus is reflected in the rise of coal prices, which often correlates with increased energy demand, including nuclear.
These developments highlight a growing consensus that nuclear power is not just a transitional energy source but a long-term solution for meeting global energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.
Long-Term Projections: Nuclear Power’s Growth Until 2050
According to the latest World Energy Outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear energy is set to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2050, global nuclear generating capacity is expected to increase from 416 GWe in 2023 to 647 GWe in the STEPS (Stated Policies Scenario), and up to 1,017 GWe in the more ambitious Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario (NZE).
China alone is projected to account for 40% of the global nuclear capacity additions by 2035. This growth isn't limited to China, though, as countries across Europe and North America are revising nuclear policies, extending reactor lifetimes, and considering new nuclear installations.
How Investors Can Capitalize on the Uranium Boom with ETFs
Given this bullish outlook for uranium and nuclear energy, investors may want to consider gaining exposure through Nuclear ETFs. These ETFs offer investors a way to gain exposure to the nuclear energy sector by investing in a diversified portfolio of companies involved in uranium mining, nuclear power generation, and related technologies.
U.S. investors can consider the following funds, available for trading within their region.
The Global X Uranium ETF (NYSE:URA) stands out with $3.91 billion in assets as of October 18, 2024. URA tracks the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index, focusing on companies involved in uranium mining, exploration, related technologies, and nuclear component production.
Country exposure includes:
- Canada: 47%
- Australia: 15%
- United States: 14.2%
- South Korea: 11.3%
- Japan: 5.1%
Top holdings in the fund are:
- Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO): 24.28%
- Sprott Physical Uranium: 8.80%
- NexGen Energy (TSX:NXE) Ltd: 7.02%
- Uranium Energy (NYSE:UEC) Corp: 5.81%
- NAC Kazatomprom (LON:KAPq): 4.52%
- Paladin Energy Ltd: 3.93%
- Denison Mines (TSX:DML) Corp: 3.59%
- Yellow Cake PLC: 2.81%
- NuScale Power Corp: 2.43%
- Centrus Energy-A: 2.27%
These stocks make up 65% of the fund’s total assets. Holdings are subject to change. URA trades on the NYSE and has an expense ratio of 0.69%.
Are there Nuclear and Uranium ETFs in Europe?
European investors aren’t left out and can access a similar lineup of products to get exposure to the nuclear energy industry.