Nuclear energy stocks have become far more compelling to many investors in recent years. Between the implications of climate change, the limits on solar and wind energy and storage technology, the still-high costs of hydrogen energy, and decades of data that support nuclear energy as safe, there are good reasons to support this carbon-free source of energy.
In this article, we'll dive into the top stocks in the nuclear energy industry, opportunities, risks, and what investors need to understand.
Let's take a closer look at the five top nuclear energy stocks.
Five top nuclear energy stocks
1. Cameco
One of the few well-established pure-play companies to invest in nuclear energy stocks, Cameco is among the world's largest uranium miners and refiners. This Canadian company's Cigar Lake facility produces the world's highest-grade uranium and has produced more than 155 million pounds since going online in 2015.
NYSE: CCJ
Key Data Points
NYSE: GEV
Key Data Points
The new energy-focused company has been good to shareholders so far, and investors interested in nuclear should consider owning it. GE has been in the nuclear power business since the 1950s, and Vernova is one of a handful of companies with significant market share in nuclear reactors.
The spinoff of GE Vernova includes GE's nuclear business; part of its Power segment, which also includes its gas, steam, and hydroelectric business; its Wind segment; and its Electrification segment. A few things make this GE spinoff a compelling nuclear energy stock. As a starting point, Vernova's allocation of capital as a standalone, energy-focused company should deliver better results.
Beyond GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the nuclear reactors and services spinoff, investors will also get exposure to GE's leading gas, hydroelectric, and steam power technologies, as well as its leading onshore and offshore wind energy business. Combined, that's a global market of more than $265 billion that GE Vernova can serve.
Part of GE Vernova's growth market includes small modular reactors (SMRs), which are expected to be an important part of a more decentralized and flexible electric grid. The company received permission in mid-2025 to begin construction on an SMR in Ontario that would be the first reactor of its type in the Western hemisphere, capable of powering roughly 300,000 homes.
3. Brookfield Renewable
Like GE Vernova, this isn't a pure-play nuclear energy stock. Brookfield Renewable owns, operates, and invests in hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy storage facilities today.
5. NuScale Power
Investors looking for more pure-play nuclear companies and a high risk tolerance level may prefer a company like NuScale, a start-up that's trying to take small-scale reactors commercial. The company's stock has been boosted by the Trump administration's plans to loosen regulations for new nuclear plants and boost the production of small modular reactors (SMRs).
And while the U.S. Army announced an initiative to build small reactors to power its hundreds of military installations in the United States, NuScale should still be treated as an extremely speculative investment. While NuScale could prove a huge winner, it's still very early in its existence.
It went public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in May 2022 and isn't likely to have its first VOYGR SMR power plant fully operational in the U.S. anytime soon. NuScale pulled the plug on a Utah reactor project in November 2023 and currently has no new projects announced with a definitive completion date.
How to invest in nuclear energy stocks
Anyone can invest in nuclear energy stocks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add one to your portfolio:
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Should you invest in nuclear energy?
After decades of being out of favor, nuclear energy is hanging out with the popular kids again. And that's likely to be good for the world since more low-carbon energy should result in more economic opportunity, a better environment, and better health outcomes for billions of people. Nascent technologies like small-scale reactors might be appealing, too.
But before piling into nuclear energy stocks, make sure to check your biases and your reasoning. Nuclear energy is a cyclical industry that's come back into favor, so the headlines (and message boards) can make it feel like a can't-miss opportunity.
But that's far from the reality; while the secular trends look favorable, today's profits can turn into losses before you can say, "But what about last quarter?" So, step lightly and consider the risks before you buy.
Related investing topics
FAQ
Nuclear energy stocks FAQ
About the Author
