NuScale Power and the SMR Revolution Powering the AI Future

The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) drives an unprecedented surge in electricity demand. Data centers, the backbone of AI infrastructure, now consume over 2% of global electricity, with projections indicating this could rise to 8% by 2030 according to Brookings research. In this high-stakes environment, NuScale Power stands out as a pivotal player, uniquely positioned to capitalize on the convergence of nuclear innovation and AI-driven energy needs. As the only U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-certified small modular reactor (SMR) developer with multiple approved designs, NuScale is not just a participant in the energy transition-it is a catalyst for a new era of clean, reliable, and scalable power.

Regulatory Moat: NuScale's Unmatched NRC Certification

NuScale's dominance in the SMR sector is anchored by its regulatory leadership. In May 2025, the company secured Standard Design Approval for its uprated 77 MWe reactor design, completing the NRC review process two months ahead of schedule. This achievement builds on its 2023 SDA for the 50 MWe design, making NuScale the only SMR developer with two NRC-certified reactor models. The US460 design, which combines six 77 MWe modules to deliver 462 MWe of baseload power, exemplifies NuScale's ability to scale its technology while maintaining safety and efficiency.

The NRC's rigorous certification process-spanning years of technical reviews, safety evaluations, and public consultations-creates a formidable barrier to entry for competitors. While other SMR developers, such as TerraPower (with its sodium-cooled Natrium reactor) and startups in the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Pilot Program, remain in early regulatory stages according to industry analysis, NuScale's dual certifications provide a critical first-mover advantage. This regulatory moat ensures NuScale can deploy its reactors faster than rivals, aligning with the urgent need for energy solutions in the AI era.

Private-Sector Partnerships: Powering the AI Infrastructure Boom

NuScale's strategic alliances with private-sector leaders underscore its role in addressing the AI-driven energy crunch. In October 2025, the company announced its support for ENTRA1 Energy's initiative under the U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement, aiming to secure up to $25 billion in investment for large-scale power infrastructure. This collaboration targets the development of baseload energy sources, including NuScale's SMRs, to power AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and national defense projects. By aligning with ENTRA1, NuScale is positioning itself at the intersection of energy security and technological sovereignty.

The tech sector's embrace of nuclear energy further validates NuScale's market potential. Major players like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Oracle-collectively investing billions in AI-enabled data centers-have partnered with NuScale to ensure their operations meet sustainability goals according to financial reports. Microsoft, for instance, plans an $80 billion investment in fiscal 2025 to build AI infrastructure, with nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its decarbonization strategy according to company announcements. These partnerships are not merely symbolic; they represent a tangible shift in how the private sector views nuclear power as a scalable solution to the energy demands of the digital age.

Geopolitical Tailwinds: Nuclear as a Strategic Asset in the AI Race

The U.S.-China rivalry in AI and clean energy has elevated nuclear power to a geopolitical imperative. While China dominates solar and wind technologies, the U.S. is pivoting toward advanced nuclear to secure energy independence and counter reliance on foreign energy systems according to Brookings analysis. NuScale's SMRs, with their compact design and rapid deployment capabilities, are uniquely suited to this strategy. By providing a domestic, low-carbon energy source, NuScale supports U.S. reindustrialization efforts and strengthens national security in an era where energy is a critical component of technological leadership.

This strategic alignment is further reinforced by the Biden administration's emphasis on clean energy and supply chain resilience. The DOE's Advanced Reactor Pilot Program, which funds 11 firms-including NuScale's competitors-highlights the government's recognition of nuclear's role in the energy transition according to industry coverage. However, NuScale's NRC certifications and commercial readiness give it a distinct edge in accessing federal and private capital, ensuring it remains at the forefront of this national priority.

Conclusion: A Must-Own Play in the AI-Nuclear Nexus

NuScale Power's trifecta of regulatory leadership, private-sector partnerships, and geopolitical relevance positions it as an indispensable player in the AI-driven energy revolution. With its SMRs certified for deployment by 2030, the company is poised to meet the surging demand for reliable, carbon-free power from data centers, industries, and governments. As AI reshapes the global economy, NuScale's ability to deliver scalable nuclear solutions will not only redefine energy markets but also secure its place as a cornerstone of the 21st-century infrastructure. For investors, the case is clear: NuScale is not just a nuclear company-it is a gateway to the future of energy and technology.