Nuclear Energy Stocks: NuScale Power and Oklo's New Opportunity in Space

NuScale Power and Oklo may benefit from NASA's plan to deploy a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. Both companies are developing small modular reactor technology, with NuScale's 50 MWe and 77 MWe designs approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Oklo's Aurora powerhouses aiming to produce 15 MWe to 75 MWe. Radiant, a privately held company, also has a suitable reactor design for the mission.

NASA's ambitious plan to deploy a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 is generating significant interest in the nuclear energy sector. The initiative, outlined by Transportation Secretary and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, aims to provide a sustainable energy source for a potential lunar base and future missions to Mars. This development could have significant implications for companies like NuScale Power, Oklo, and Radiant, which are at the forefront of small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

NuScale Power, a publicly traded company, has two SMR designs approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Their 50 megawatt-electric (MWe) and 77 MWe designs can be scaled up to 924 MWe, making them potential candidates for NASA's lunar mission. NuScale's extensive experience and NRC approval could give them an edge in the competition for the contract.

Oklo, another SMR developer, has designs dubbed Aurora powerhouses that can produce between 15 MWe to 75 MWe. While Oklo's initial application was rejected by the NRC in 2022, the company is working to address the identified issues and resubmit their design. Oklo's focus on innovative and efficient SMR technology could make them a strong contender for NASA's lunar reactor project.

Radiant, a privately held company, is also developing SMR technology. Their Kaleidos reactor is designed to be considerably smaller, at 1 MWe, and is marketed as a replacement for diesel generators. Radiant's smaller reactor size and focus on specific applications could make it an attractive option for NASA's lunar mission.

The competition for NASA's lunar reactor contract is likely to be intense, with several companies vying for the opportunity. While NuScale Power and Oklo have the advantage of being publicly traded and having NRC approval, Radiant's smaller reactor design and focus on specific applications could give them a competitive edge. Ultimately, the success of these companies in securing the contract will depend on their ability to meet NASA's technical requirements and demonstrate the feasibility of their SMR technology for lunar use.

References:
[1] https://www.aol.com/duffy-confirms-fast-track-plan-170712561.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nuscale-power-oklo-opportunity-thats-120000437.html
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cev2dylxv74o