NuScale Power: The $20 Stock Powering the AI Revolution

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but its success hinges on a critical enabler: reliable, low-carbon energy. As data centers consume more electricity than some countries, the demand for scalable, resilient power solutions is outpacing traditional grids. Enter NuScale Power, a pioneer in small modular reactor (SMR) technology, whose recent regulatory breakthroughs and strategic partnerships position it as a cornerstone of the AI era. With a stock price hovering near $20 and a vision to decarbonize high-power-demand infrastructure, NuScale offers long-term investors a compelling opportunity to capitalize on the convergence of nuclear energy and AI.

Regulatory Leadership: A Foundation for Growth

NuScale's dominance in the SMR space is underscored by its regulatory milestones. In May 2025, the company secured Standard Design Approval (SDA) for its uprated 77 MWe SMR design from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), marking its second NRC certification and solidifying its position as the only SMR provider with two approved designs. This approval, issued two months ahead of schedule, enables NuScale to deploy its 462 MWe plant design-comprising six modules-by 2030. The NRC's endorsement not only validates NuScale's safety and scalability but also reduces regulatory uncertainty for future projects, such as Romania's RoPower plant.

Strategic Relevance to AI Data Centers

The energy demands of AI infrastructure are staggering. By 2030, data centers are projected to consume 945 terawatt-hours annually, equivalent to Japan's total electricity usage. NuScale's SMRs are uniquely suited to meet this demand. Each NuScale Power Module (NPM) generates 77 MWe of electricity, with 12 modules capable of delivering 924 MWe-enough to power hyperscale data centers. The modular design allows for rapid deployment, with construction timelines of 24–36 months compared to 5–10 years for traditional reactors.

Moreover, NuScale's SMRs integrate seamlessly with AI infrastructure. Their passive safety systems ensure uninterrupted operation, while their ability to provide both electricity and process heat for absorption chillers enhances data center efficiency. A landmark partnership with ENTRA1 Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) aims to deploy 6 GW of NuScale SMRs, sufficient to power the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Meanwhile, NuScale is in advanced discussions with five major data center operators, signaling robust market demand.

Financial Strength and Industry Tailwinds

NuScale's recent financial performance reinforces its growth trajectory. In Q4 2025, the company strengthened its cash position through warrant exercises that generated $227.7 million in proceeds. CEO John Hopkins has emphasized securing "hard contracts" with two to three major customers by year-end 2025, leveraging the NRC approval to attract interest from utilities, industrial firms, and governments.

The broader nuclear energy sector is also gaining momentum. Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are investing in SMRs and traditional nuclear projects to secure long-term, carbon-free power. While competitors like Bloom Energy promote fuel cell alternatives, SMRs remain the preferred solution for baseload power needs. NuScale's first-mover advantage in NRC approvals and its exclusive partnership with ENTRA1 Energy give it a distinct edge in this competitive landscape.

Risk Assessment and Reward Potential

Investors must weigh NuScale's high capital costs-$3,000–6,000 per kilowatt-against its long-term potential. While upfront expenses are significant, economies of scale and standardized manufacturing are expected to reduce costs as deployment accelerates. Regulatory delays, though mitigated by the recent SDA, remain a risk, as do competition from renewable energy and hydrogen-based solutions.

However, the urgency of decarbonizing AI infrastructure creates a strong tailwind. With global SMR deployment projected to reach 22 GW by 2030, NuScale's leadership in NRC approvals and its alignment with AI energy needs position it to capture a disproportionate share of this market. For investors seeking a "millionaire maker," NuScale's $20 stock represents a high-conviction bet on the intersection of nuclear innovation and the AI revolution.

Conclusion

NuScale Power is not just a nuclear energy company-it is a critical infrastructure enabler for the AI era. Its NRC-approved SMR design, strategic partnerships, and technical advantages make it uniquely positioned to meet the surging demand for reliable, low-carbon power. While risks exist, the scale of the opportunity-driven by AI's exponential energy needs-justifies a long-term, high-conviction investment. As the world races to power the next industrial revolution, NuScale stands at the forefront, offering investors a chance to ride the nuclear-AI convergence to outsized returns.