Why NuScale Power Could Be the Best Nuclear Stock Under $100 to Watch Now

After decades of stagnation, nuclear energy is experiencing a powerful resurgence. The reasons are compelling: as a zero-carbon power source, nuclear helps organizations meet climate commitments, and as a constant energy supplier, it provides the reliable power that artificial intelligence data centers desperately need. Yet not all nuclear stocks will deliver the same returns, and many emerging nuclear companies may not survive to profitability.

If you’re searching for a best stock under $100 in the nuclear sector, NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) warrants serious consideration. Here’s what makes it stand out.

Nuclear Energy’s Unexpected Comeback

The nuclear sector has shifted dramatically from dormant to dynamic. Clean energy requirements and AI’s insatiable computational power needs have reignited investor enthusiasm for advanced nuclear technology. However, success in this space requires more than just timing—it demands technological innovation and regulatory legitimacy.

This is where NuScale’s advantage becomes apparent. While several U.S. companies are pursuing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, NuScale remains the only one with an SMR design approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This regulatory breakthrough occurred in May 2025 and positions the company ahead of competitors like Oklo and Nano Nuclear Energy.

NuScale’s Competitive Advantage in a Crowded Field

The NRC design approval functions as a formidable competitive moat. Regulatory acceptance isn’t merely symbolic—it represents years of technical validation and positions NuScale as the frontrunner in the commercialization race.

According to CEO John Hopkins, the company has been overwhelmed with customer inquiries despite not yet securing a major commercial contract. Two projects currently offer tangible paths to deployment: an SMR facility in Romania led by utility RoPower, and a project with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Both remain in planning stages, but either could trigger significant revenue generation.

The Road to Commercial Viability

NuScale’s transition from approval to commercialization presents both opportunity and challenge. The company faces meaningful cash burn, which isn’t uncommon for pre-revenue technology firms. A critical unknown remains: what will the actual cost structure of SMRs be, and will utilities and data centers ultimately embrace them as their preferred energy solution?

These questions explain why the investment thesis remains speculative. NuScale hasn’t yet demonstrated the ability to scale its SMR technology commercially or achieve the cost efficiencies necessary for mass deployment. The company is betting on market adoption at scale, which is far from guaranteed.

The Investment Opportunity for Risk-Tolerant Investors

For investors with a contrarian bent and higher risk tolerance, a small position in a best stock under $100 like NuScale could offer outsized return potential. At current valuations, the risk-reward asymmetry is favorable for those willing to absorb volatility.

The upside case is straightforward: as the only NRC-approved SMR designer, NuScale could capture a disproportionate share of a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. The downside risk is equally real—commercial adoption could stall, costs could prove prohibitive, or competing technologies might emerge.

Historical context suggests investor skepticism toward early-stage nuclear innovators often creates valuation opportunities. With nuclear energy resurging, the timeline for NuScale’s first significant commercial milestone may compress faster than expectations.

The Bottom Line

NuScale Power represents a high-risk, high-reward avenue for gaining exposure to advanced nuclear technology at an attractive price point. The company’s singular regulatory achievement and robust customer interest provide a compelling foundation. However, investors must acknowledge that this remains a speculative bet on the future of energy production—one that could deliver transformational returns or significant losses.

For aggressive investors with capital to deploy, allocating a portion of a $100 investment toward this best stock under $100 in the nuclear space could be a worthwhile consideration as the industry evolves.