World Nuclear Symposium signals rising investor appetite as leaders push ‘golden age’ for nuclear power

London hosted the World Nuclear Symposium’s 50th anniversary this week, a milestone that underscored a shift in the energy sector from caution to confidence about nuclear power. After years of public skepticism, proponents say nuclear is cleaner than coal and gas, and more reliable than wind and solar. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump recently affirmed multi‑billion‑dollar commitments to expand capacity in both the United Kingdom and the United States, a development observers say could lift domestic markets and spur a wave of related investment.

Attendance at the symposium broke records, with more than 1,000 delegates from around the world converging on London to discuss how to profit from the renewed interest in nuclear energy. Industry participants noted that the discussion has moved beyond grand promises to practical deployment, including a focus on small modular reactors, or SMRs, which are viewed as faster to construct and cheaper than traditional large reactors. The UK and US are eyeing higher shares of nuclear in their energy mixes—about 15% in the UK and just under 20% in the US—through a combination of new reactors and longer‑term waste‑management strategies. The scale of planned deployment is lifting expectations for suppliers, engineering firms, and specialized funds.

Among the companies highlighted by Midas, a publication known for its market‑timing tips, are Avingtrans, Goodwin, Geiger Counter, and Yellow Cake. Each represents a different channel through which investors can participate in what is described as a coming boom in nuclear power, from component manufacturing to uranium ownership. Avingtrans, based near Cambridge, has a long track record supplying pumps and motors to the nuclear industry. The company has been expanding its footprint as reactor build‑outs accelerate, and its latest trading statement signaled ongoing growth. Avingtrans’ involvement with high‑temperature pumps—needed in demanding nuclear environments—positions it to benefit as more reactors come online. The group recently won a £12.5 million deal to supply pumps in South Korea, a contract that underscores international demand for specialized equipment. Midas noted the stock’s rise from around £4 three years ago to about £4.60 today, with forecast profits continuing to grow into 2026 and a 12‑month target price seen around £5.80, suggesting upside for longer‑term investors. Traders can find the stock on the AIM under the ticker AVG.

Goodwin, a sixth‑generation family business based in Stoke‑on‑Trent, specializes in advanced engineering and nuclear containment solutions. The company is known for assembling containers that hold nuclear waste, supporting Rolls‑Royce, and supplying components to nuclear submarines under U.S. Department of Defense endorsements. Goodwin’s position as a trusted, high‑quality supplier to reactor projects on both sides of the Atlantic has helped it build momentum, with shares having doubled since Midas first flagged the stock two years ago. While some investors may consider taking profits at current levels, analysts say the company’s strong balance sheet and strategic relationships could sustain growth over the long term. Goodwin is traded on the London Main Market under the ticker GDWN.

Geiger Counter, a fund established in 2006, focuses on uranium producers and related firms in the nuclear value chain. The fund’s holdings include Cameco and NexGen Energy, among others linked to uranium mining and reactor construction. Geiger Counter’s shares trade on the London Main Market under the ticker GCL. As uranium prices have moved from a peak near $130 per pound in 2007 to lower levels in the ensuing decade and now hover in the $70–$80 range, the fund’s managers argue that a supply deficit could lift prices and, by extension, the fund’s net asset value. With dozens of new reactors planned globally and modest new mine development taking time, the fund’s diversified exposure could provide a way to participate in the sector without picking single mining names.

Yellow Cake, another uranium vehicle, floated in 2018 and holds a physical stockpile of uranium oxide—commonly called yellowcake—that is then processed into reactor fuel. The company’s strategic agreement with Kazakhstan‑based Kazatomprom allows it to expand its stockpile as demand for uranium grows. Yellow Cake trades on the Main Market under the ticker YCA. Its shares have traded at modest premiums to the value of its assets, presenting an appealing option for investors betting on a longer cycle of higher uranium prices as new plants come online around the world. The stock stands at roughly £5.31, with the underlying asset valuation implying potential upside as demand from utilities and energy storage needs remains robust.

The broader investment landscape for nuclear power is being shaped by a mix of policy signals and corporate collaborations. In both the UK and the US, government support for new reactors, enhanced fuel supply chains, and the development of SMRs is designed to shorten construction timelines and reduce capital costs relative to traditional large‑scale plants. Tech giants and data‑center operators are among the other beneficiaries, with companies like Microsoft and Google pursuing partnerships to power large facilities with reliable, low‑emission energy. TerraPower, the venture backed by Bill Gates, has been cited as a key driver of the next generation of reactors, which in turn sustains demand for high‑integrity pumps and related components produced by suppliers such as Avingtrans.

While these developments raise optimism, analysts emphasize the importance of disciplined, long‑term positioning. The sector faces a still‑nascent regulatory environment in some regions, project‑financing challenges, and the need to manage nuclear waste and safety concerns. Investors are advised to weigh exposure across a mix of manufacturers, uranium funds, and energy‑security plays, while remaining mindful of stock liquidity and currency risk associated with cross‑border deals. The World Nuclear Symposium’s timing aligns with a contemporaneous push by UK and US leaders to bolster domestic energy security and decarbonize power generation, a combination that some analysts say could unlock meaningful upside for investors who approach the space with a diversified, fundamentals‑driven mindset.

In sum, the convergence of policy backing, global demand for cleaner power, and a broader appetite for nuclear equities and uranium exposure has pushed the sector into sharper focus for investors. As governments commit to new build programs and private firms expand their participation—from component manufacturing to fuel supplies—the so‑called golden age of nuclear power appears to be less a slogan than a working forecast that could reshape UK plc and broader markets over the next decade.