A stock rally has begun in the nuclear and aerospace sector on international stock markets, driven by investments in small modular reactors (SMRs), new US space plans, and an optimistic outlook for uranium stocks. Notable gainers include Oklo, NuScale Power, and Energy Fuels, while Denison Mines, Lightbridge, and Uranium Energy also posted gains. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce secured approximately $814 million from the UK’s sovereign wealth fund for initial SMR projects in the United Kingdom, and the government approved three reactors at the Wylfa site in North Wales. According to market reports, X-Energy is aiming for a valuation of up to $7.5 billion in its initial public offering. Furthermore, the US government, together with NASA and the Pentagon, unveiled a new initiative for space-based nuclear energy. Canaccord Genuity highlights the uranium sector with reference to energy security and places the current uranium price of US$88 per pound below futures prices of US$90 to US$93 and below the long-term forecast of US$110. (wallstreet-online: 16.04.26)
Stock rally gains momentum thanks to SMR projects
The boost from Great Britain is particularly strong at present. Rolls-Royce received fresh funding for the construction of small modular reactors, while the British government approved three SMR units in Wylfa. According to the report, these plants could supply around three million households with electricity over a period of 60 years, which is why the project is gaining significance far beyond the corporate sector.
The price movement therefore affects not just individual stocks, but large parts of the sector. Oklo, NuScale Power, and Energy Fuels are benefiting directly from the positive news. Denison Mines, Lightbridge, and Uranium Energy are also following suit. This stock rally is fueled by concrete projects and not just hope, which is an important distinction for investors in the current market environment.
Spaceflight and Uranium Fuel the Sector’s Growth
Spaceflight is providing additional momentum. The US government has unveiled the “National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power,” a joint strategy by NASA and the Pentagon aimed at advancing nuclear power systems for lunar and interplanetary missions. NASA has approved the initiative, while a space reactor codenamed “ZR-1 Freedom,” with a capacity of 20 kilowatts for propulsion and power generation, is under development.
Meanwhile, X-Energy is attracting attention on the stock market. The Amazon-backed company develops small modular reactors and produces nuclear fuel. According to reports, the company is aiming for a valuation of up to $7.5 billion in its IPO. This is giving the stock market rally an additional boost. At the same time, Canaccord Genuity points to the growing importance of energy security and highlights uranium stocks such as NexGen Energy, Uranium Energy, Denison Mines, and Atha Energy. The broker sees further potential in the uranium price, which is currently at 88 US dollars per pound, while futures prices and long-term forecasts are higher.