The Case for NuScale Power: A Strategic Play in the 2026 Nuclear Renaissance

The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the urgent need for dispatchable, low-carbon power to meet surging demand from artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and national security infrastructure. At the heart of this transformation lies a quiet but accelerating renaissance in nuclear energy, particularly in the development of small modular reactors (). For investors seeking to capitalize on this paradigm shift, NuScale Power emerges as a compelling strategic play, uniquely positioned to benefit from a confluence of geopolitical and policy-driven tailwinds in the U.S. and Asia.

Policy Tailwinds: A Global Surge for Nuclear Energy

The U.S. government has taken decisive steps to reinvigorate its nuclear industrial base, with President Trump's May 2025 executive orders mandating the Department of Energy to prioritize resources for advanced SMR deployment and the restart of closed nuclear plants according to White Case. These directives align with state-level initiatives, such as Illinois' HB 2473, which lifted its reactor moratorium for SMRs under 300 , as reported by Nucleation Capital. Such policies create a fertile ground for SMR developers like NuScale, whose modular design inherently aligns with decentralized energy needs and regulatory flexibility.

Meanwhile, Asia's nuclear ambitions are accelerating. , including Hualong One and CAP1000 units, underscores its dominance in the global nuclear market according to Nuclear Business Platform. South Korea, a key technology exporter, has solidified partnerships with the UAE and the U.S. to expand its APR-1400 reactor exports, while emerging markets like Indonesia and Vietnam are transitioning from exploratory phases to concrete policy commitments as detailed in the same report. These developments highlight a growing recognition of nuclear energy as a cornerstone of energy security-a trend NuScale is poised to exploit through its strategic alliances.

NuScale's Strategic Alliances: Bridging Policy and Deployment

NuScale's recent partnerships exemplify its ability to leverage policy momentum into tangible infrastructure projects. The company's collaboration with ENTRA1 Energy, its exclusive global strategic partner, according to NuScale's press release. This funding will support the deployment of NuScale SMRs to power AI data centers, manufacturing hubs, and defense infrastructure-a direct alignment with President Trump's vision for U.S. energy leadership as reported by Neutron Bytes.

A landmark partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) further cements NuScale's strategic positioning. , a project capable of powering a metropolitan area the size of Dallas-Fort Worth according to the American Nuclear Society. This initiative not only addresses immediate energy demands but also aligns with federal mandates to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies as NuScale announced.

NuScale's manufacturing and deployment capabilities are further bolstered by partnerships with industry leaders like Fluor Corporation, Doosan Enerbility, and JGC Holdings Corporation according to NuScale's official site. These alliances ensure the scalability of NuScale's SMRs, as detailed in the IEA report.

Geopolitical Dynamics: A Nuclear-Driven Energy Cold War

The global race for nuclear dominance is intensifying, with the U.S. and its allies seeking to counter China's and Russia's growing influence in the sector. South Korea's January 2025 civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S. to harmonize export controls and non-proliferation standards is a case in point according to Nuclear Business Platform. By aligning with U.S. policy priorities, NuScale positions itself as a key player in this geopolitical contest, offering a non-Chinese alternative for countries seeking to diversify their energy supply chains.

In Asia, where emerging markets are rapidly adopting SMRs, NuScale's technology-certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-offers a compelling value proposition. The 's SMR School in Bangkok, which brought together policymakers from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, underscores the growing demand for U.S.-aligned nuclear solutions according to the IAEA. NuScale's modular, factory-built reactors are particularly well-suited for countries like Thailand and Uzbekistan, which are re-evaluating their nuclear strategies amid shifting global dynamics as reported by the IAEA.

Conclusion: A High-Conviction Investment Thesis

NuScale Power's strategic positioning at the intersection of U.S. policy innovation, Asian market expansion, and global geopolitical dynamics makes it a high-conviction investment for 2026. With federal and state-level support in the U.S., , and a TVA-led deployment program capable of reshaping regional energy markets, NuScale is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the nuclear renaissance. As the IEA notes, SMRs could become a linchpin of the global energy transition-provided policy frameworks remain robust as stated in the IEA report. For investors, NuScale represents not just a bet on technology, but a stake in the geopolitical and economic forces reshaping the 21st-century energy landscape.