The U.S. nuclear energy sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, driven by a confluence of factors including increasing demand for clean energy, supportive government policies, and significant investment. This surge is particularly evident in the performance of U.S.-listed nuclear energy exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have dramatically outpaced previous years’ growth through 2025. Several key elements have converged to fuel this expansion, most notably the strategic policy initiatives spearheaded by the Trump 2.0 administration.
Executive Orders and Government Support
In May 2025, the President issued four executive orders designed to substantially increase domestic nuclear power generation capacity. A core objective of these orders was to accelerate the deployment of advanced reactor technologies across strategic sites, including those supporting military operations and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Furthermore, the government aimed to expand America’s total nuclear energy capacity from approximately 100 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to a projected 400 GW by 2050. A crucial aspect of this strategy involved directing the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to actively reduce regulatory hurdles that traditionally have slowed nuclear deployment at military and strategic locations. These efforts were coupled with a commitment to promote American nuclear exports, bolstering the nation’s global competitiveness within the energy market. The executive orders signaled a decisive shift in government support, creating a more favorable environment for the nuclear industry’s growth.
The UK Technology Prosperity Deal
Adding another layer of support was the signing of a Technology Prosperity Deal with the United Kingdom government in September 2025. This agreement focused on fostering collaboration in several high-growth sectors, including artificial intelligence, civil nuclear energy, and quantum computing. A key component of the deal included streamlining regulations, significantly boosting investments in these areas, and enhancing research collaboration. Specifically, the agreement set a target of achieving energy independence from Russian fuel by 2028, reflecting broader geopolitical considerations. The partnership was designed to foster innovation through joint initiatives in both AI and quantum technologies, further demonstrating a commitment to technological advancement.
Investor Response and ETF Performance
The strategic policy changes and underlying fundamentals have created a powerful catalyst for the nuclear energy industry, directly translating into increased investor confidence and substantial capital inflows into the relevant U.S.-listed nuclear ETFs. This robust investor demand is reflected in the striking performance of these funds.
U.S. Nuclear ETFs Surge
Several ETFs have experienced significant growth this year, exceeding previous performance benchmarks. The following ETFs are witnessing notable upward trends:
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VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR): This ETF offers exposure to companies involved in uranium mining, the construction and maintenance of nuclear power facilities, and the production of electricity from nuclear sources. With a focus on both developed and emerging nations, the United States represents the largest exposure (49%), driven largely by Constellation Energy Corporation, which operates the largest fleet of nuclear plants in the U.S. (7.07% weight), the fund has risen 60.2% year to date and 13.4% throughout 2024, charging 56 basis points (bps) in fees.
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Global X Uranium ETF (URA): Focused on uranium mining and nuclear component production, URA provides broad international exposure with Canada holding the largest weight (37.7%) geographically, followed by the United States (29.9%) and a notable allocation to Oklo Inc. (13.59%). Despite a slight decrease of 3.3% in 2024, the fund has rallied 70.8% year to date. The fund charges 69 bps as fees.
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Themes Uranium & Nuclear ETF (URAN): URAN invests across developed and emerging countries, with the US holding the largest allocation (49.7%), and Constellation Energy Corp as its top holding (8.59%). Oklo Inc. claims the third spot with a weight of 6.11%. The fund boasts a rise of 50.1% year to date and 3.9% in 2024, charging 35 bps in fees.
These ETFs—NLR, URA, and URAN— represent a compelling investment opportunity responding to this confluence of supportive policies, growing industry demand and investor optimism. The sector’s trajectory suggests ongoing growth potential.
