Golden age of nuclear power spurs investor interest as Starmer-Trump pact signals expansion

London — The World Nuclear Symposium marked its 50th anniversary with a record turnout, as industry executives, investors, and policymakers converged in the British capital to gauge opportunities from rising interest in nuclear energy. Organizers said more than 1,000 delegates flew in from around the globe, underscoring a shift from the technology’s former reputation as a niche or controversial energy source to a mainstream driver of power security and industrial investment. In parallel with the conference, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there is a “golden age of nuclear” as he and U.S. President Donald Trump announced multi‑billion‑dollar deals intended to boost capacity in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Nuclear energy is increasingly framed as cleaner than coal and gas and more reliable than wind and solar. The event highlighted how governments and industry hope to deploy small modular reactors, or SMRs, to accelerate construction timelines and reduce upfront capital costs. Rolls-Royce and Centrica were cited as contributors to a new generation of reactors, while analysts point to a projected rise in demand for nuclear power over the next decade and a half as a factor lifting the outlook for suppliers and service providers across the UK market. The momentum comes as utilities, technology platforms, and venture investors align to back a broader nuclear ecosystem, from heavy reactors to fuel supply and waste management.

Among the notable companies cited by market observers as potential beneficiaries for an expansion in nuclear activity is Avingtrans, a Cambridge-area supplier that makes pumps and motors used in nuclear systems. The company has cultivated a reputation for reliability and engineering excellence, and executives say demand should strengthen as the UK shifts toward more nuclear capacity and as international projects come online. Avingtrans won a £12.5 million deal this month to supply pumps in South Korea, reinforcing its position in a global supply chain linked to next‑generation reactors. Analysts who recommended Avingtrans about three years ago — when the shares traded around £4 — note the stock has since risen, with forecasts for this year and 2026 pointing to further profit growth. While the shares have appreciated, brokers argue the upside still rests on the pace and scale of orders tied to SMRs and other reactor projects, and they flag a longer‑term investment thesis for holders who can tolerate near‑term volatility.

Goodwin, a sixth‑generation family business known for its nuclear enclosure containers and its work with Rolls‑Royce, is also highlighted as a potential beneficiary of the sector’s expansion. The Stoke‑on‑Trent company has built a niche in nuclear components and submarine‑related parts and benefits from an established track record with the U.S. Department of Defense. The chairman, Tim Goodwin, has expressed optimism about the forward path, supported by broad City interest in a high‑quality, long‑term engineering franchise. The stock has surged since a prior market tip, with current holders facing a decision point as the shares trade at elevated levels, while analysts emphasize the potential for sustained growth if nuclear projects proceed on schedule and with predictable financing.

Geiger Counter is a dedicated fund that invests in uranium producers and related companies, the fuel input for reactors. Uranium prices have moved broadly higher in recent years after a prolonged period of volatility, and Geiger Counter’s portfolio includes major producers such as Cameco and NexGen Energy, along with a spread of U.S. and Canadian firms involved in reactor construction and fuel supply. The fund’s shares trade on the Main Market, and managers say the current discount to net asset value should narrow as demand for nuclear power strengthens and new mines come on line. The uranium market’s recovery, underpinned by a move to diversify away from Russian energy dependence, supports a constructive long‑term case for investors who can tolerate commodity‑price cycles.

Yellow Cake is another vehicle investors scan for exposure to uranium. The company holds a substantial stockpile of uranium oxide, acquired through a long‑standing agreement with Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer. With the stock trading above its asset value and a sizeable in‑hand inventory, Yellow Cake presents a wayside entry point for participants seeking to participate in the sector’s upside as demand grows. While geopolitical and supply dynamics can drive swings in uranium prices, the company’s strategic holdings provide a degree of ballast for portfolios seeking thematic exposure to nuclear power growth. China’s accelerated rollout of reactors — from 17 plants a decade ago to more than 58 now, with 30 under construction — underscores the resilience of uranium demand as global power systems modernize.

Taken together, the group of stocks discussed by market observers reflects a broader thesis: a multi‑year cycle of reactor projects, plus a push to modernize energy infrastructure with SMRs and advanced fuels, could sustain growth for a diversified set of UK listed names. Still, investors are cautioned to monitor execution risk, regulatory timelines, and the availability of capital as governments and suppliers mobilize for large, capital‑intensive projects.

The current environment also emphasizes the integration of nuclear energy into wider investment themes, including data center growth and digital infrastructure. Several large technology firms have signaled interest in securing reliable, low‑carbon power for massive data centers, reinforcing demand for stable baseload capacity. In that context, the nuclear sector’s growth trajectory could translate into broader opportunities for the UK market, if policy support remains stable and financing channels align with project timelines. As leadership in the UK and the U.S. signals continued commitment to nuclear expansion, market participants will be watching for concrete project announcements, supply‑chain commitments, and the performance of niche players in the months ahead.