NuScale Power Stock Rises 6.3% on Davos Endorsement, Meta PPA Catalyst
NuScale Power stock surged 6.3% Wednesday after President Trump’s Davos address highlighted small modular reactors and an executive order fast-tracked SMR licensing, adding to bullish sentiment from Bank of America’s upgrade of rival Oklo following Meta’s prepaid power deal. Japan’s restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa No.6 reactor further boosted industry confidence.
1. Presidential Endorsement Spurs SMR Momentum
President Trump’s address at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos significantly bolstered investor confidence in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. By framing nuclear power as a clean, reliable alternative to wind and solar, and highlighting recent executive orders that streamline reactor licensing, Trump underscored SMRs as central to U.S. energy independence. His call for fast-tracking SMR deployment directly influenced market sentiment, driving institutional and retail investors to re-evaluate nuclear-focused equities and laying the groundwork for accelerated project approvals.
2. NRC Certification and Midday Rally
SMR, the first and only small modular reactor design certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, saw a pronounced uptick in trading volume following Trump’s remarks. By 10:30 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, SMR shares had rallied by over 6%, reflecting investor recognition of its regulatory milestone and potential for early-mover advantages. With a market capitalization near $5.4 billion and a gross margin approaching 65%, SMR stands out among advanced nuclear developers for its regulatory head start and scaled manufacturing plans.
3. Long-Term Growth Aligned with AI Power Demand
Looking ahead, SMR’s growth trajectory is closely tied to surging power requirements from artificial intelligence data centers. Industry forecasts project that U.S. data center energy demand could increase fivefold by 2030, positioning SMR’s reactors as a critical solution for on-site, round-the-clock power. The company’s modular design, which allows for phased capacity additions, aligns with the rapid build-out schedules of hyperscale computing facilities. Strategic partnerships announced this quarter with major tech firms further validate SMR’s potential to secure multi-year contracts, underpinning its long-term revenue visibility.