Nuclear Renaissance: How Westinghouse's AP1000 Could Power a $75 Billion Energy Shift

The U.S. energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by twin forces: regulatory reforms that fast-track nuclear infrastructure and a tech sector hungry for reliable, carbon-free power. At the center of this transformation is Westinghouse Electric Company, whose AP1000 nuclear reactor technology stands to capitalize on a $75 billion market opportunity. Backed by President Trump's executive orders streamlining approvals and partnerships like its recent MoU with Celeros Flow Technology (Celeros FT), Westinghouse is positioning itself as a linchpin of America's energy future. But is this a buy or a pass?

The Regulatory Tailwind: Trump's Orders and the NRC Overhaul

President Trump's May 2025 executive orders reshaping nuclear regulation are a game-changer. By mandating fixed deadlines—18 months for new reactor licenses and 12 months for renewals—the administration has injected urgency into the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These reforms, coupled with exemptions for advanced reactor designs like the AP1000 from onerous environmental reviews, aim to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity to 400 GW by 2050.

The AP1000, already proven at Georgia's Vogtle plant, is a prime beneficiary. With its passive safety systems and modular design, it's a “nth-of-a-kind” reactor—meaning its licensing and construction costs should decline sharply as more units are built. The NRC's recent approval of a 60-year operating license for the AP1000 further solidifies its viability.

Westinghouse's parent company, Brookfield Asset Management (BAM), has seen its stock climb 15% since the executive orders were announced, while the VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) surged 22% on news of streamlined approvals. These moves signal investor confidence in nuclear's comeback.

Celeros FT: Supply Chain Strength in a Critical Market

Westinghouse's partnership with Celeros FT—a leader in nuclear-grade valves and pumps—adds a critical layer of resilience. The MoU, inked in April 2025, ensures Westinghouse can source proven, long-lasting components for AP1000 projects. Celeros FT's facilities in Canada and globally, which supply 65% of the world's operational reactors, offer a reliable supply chain that mitigates delays.

The economic upside is staggering. A four-unit AP1000 plant in Canada could create 12,000 jobs and add $28.7 billion to GDP during construction. Each AP1000 built outside the U.S. could generate nearly $1 billion in GDP via local suppliers—a model replicable across markets from Poland to Saudi Arabia.

Tech's Appetite for Nuclear: Data Centers Demand Stability

The linchpin of this opportunity is tech-sector demand. Data centers, AI infrastructure, and cloud computing require 24/7 power that's both reliable and carbon-neutral. Natural gas and renewables alone can't meet this need consistently—nuclear's 90% capacity factor (vs. 30% for solar) makes it indispensable.

Google and Amazon, among others, are quietly exploring partnerships with nuclear firms to secure power for hyperscale data hubs. The AP1000's ability to provide 1,100 MW of baseload power—enough to fuel 1 million homes—positions it as a tech-sector darling.

Risks: Delays, Costs, and Public Perception

The path is not without pitfalls. Vogtle Units 3 and 4, though completed in 2023–2024, faced $9 billion cost overruns and years of delays. Regulatory reforms may speed approvals, but execution risks persist—especially if staffing cuts at the NRC compromise safety.

Geopolitical headwinds also loom. The U.S. imports 85% of its uranium, including from Russia and China. Trump's orders aim to boost domestic mining, but scaling up will take years. Public skepticism over nuclear waste and safety remains a hurdle, though the AP1000's passive design has eased concerns.

Why This Is a Buy for Long-Term Investors

Despite the risks, the confluence of policy, supply-chain readiness, and tech demand creates a compelling entry point. The $75 billion addressable market—comprising new builds, uprates, and international exports—offers decades of growth.

For investors, exposure can come via:
1. Brookfield Asset Management (BAM): Owns Westinghouse and benefits from its nuclear portfolio.
2. Celeros FT (indirectly via Canadian equities): Critical to AP1000's supply chain.
3. Nuclear ETFs (NLR): Tracks broader sector momentum.

The key is patience. Nuclear's long lead times mean gains will accrue slowly, but the moat is wide: few firms can match Westinghouse's proven technology and partnerships. As data centers and AI demand soar, nuclear's moment is here—and the AP1000 is leading the charge.

In the race to decarbonize and power the digital age, Westinghouse's AP1000 isn't just a reactor—it's a bridge to energy dominance. For investors willing to look past short-term volatility, this could be the next great infrastructure play.