Nuclear Power Stocks Soar on Trump Executive Orders

Shares of nuclear energy companies, including Oklo (OKLO) and NuScale Power (SMR), soared Friday as President Donald Trump signed new executive orders aimed at boosting the industry.

The executive orders are meant to speed up approval of new nuclear reactors, and strengthen fuel supply chains, among other changes.

“After decades of stagnation and shuttered reactors, President Trump is providing a path forward for nuclear innovation. Today’s executive orders allow for reactor design testing at DOE labs, clear the way for construction on federal lands to protect national and economic security, and remove regulatory barriers by requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue timely licensing decisions,” White House Office of Science and Technology Director Michael Kratsios said in a release.

“Nuclear has the potential to be America’s greatest source of energy addition,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who emphasized its importance with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and growing demand for electricity to power data centers.

In a note to clients Friday, Wedbush analysts wrote that the need for AI computing power is expected to skyrocket over the next 5-10 years, and that “takes up a tremendous amount of energy.” The analysts noted ahead of the White House’s announcement that while the administration has already taken some steps to encourage nuclear power, the new orders are “expected to be a significant tailwind for the industry.”

The analysts added that Oklo has been one of the key beneficiaries of the administration’s nuclear industry support, and raised their price target to $55 from $45. The stock jumped 23% Friday to close near $49.

This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent developments and share values.