Trump Plans Nuclear Energy Boost Amid Global Stock Surge

President Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector by simplifying regulatory approvals for new reactors and reinforcing nuclear fuel supply chains. These measures are designed to reduce U.S. dependence on Russia and China for enriched uranium and reactor technology by invoking Cold War-era legislation such as the Defense Production Act. The orders also encourage the Department of Energy to use loan guarantees and direct loans to support nuclear reactor construction, potentially accelerating licensing timelines and expanding military and DOE roles in reactor deployment. Following the reports, nuclear energy stocks surged significantly in both U.S. and Australian markets, with companies like Oklo, NuScale Power, Cameco, and NexGen Energy seeing notable gains. The push is partly driven by increased energy demand linked to AI expansion, with some industry leaders likening the effort to a modern “Manhattan Project.” This renewed focus on nuclear energy marks a strategic shift to strengthen domestic fuel supply chains and support emerging small modular reactor technologies.