The AI Nuclear Acceleration: Why Big Tech is Fueling a U.S. Uranium Gold Rush
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Recent trends indicate a significant shift in U.S. electricity generation, with growth predicted to reach 2.4% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026. This growth is largely attributed to the energy demands of AI data centers. As major tech firms turn to Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear technology for a sustainable energy supply, it has become clear that U.S. nuclear plants depend heavily on foreign uranium. Currently, over 95% of uranium is imported, primarily from Russia and Kazakhstan.
The Shift Towards Domestic Uranium Production
The U.S. government's acknowledgment of the necessity for secure, domestic energy sources provides a favorable investment climate for uranium companies. Key players in this sector include:
- Eagle Energy Metals (soon-to-be NASDAQ-listed under the ticker NUCL)
- Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE-A: UEC)
- NexGen Energy (NYSE: NXE) (TSX: NXE)
- Denison Mines (NYSE-A: DNN) (TSX: DML)
- Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE-A: UUUU) (TSX: EFR)
Government Support for Nuclear Initiatives
The intersection of the AI boom and national security is reshaping the nuclear energy market. The global SMR sector is projected to reach $10.3 billion by 2032. In a responsive move, the Department of Energy allocated $800 million to enhance U.S. reactor deployment, while new federal actions are expediting nuclear licensing and domestic uranium mining.
Eagle Energy Metals: Positioned for Growth
Eagle Energy Metals has engaged BBA USA Inc., an established consulting firm, to formulate a drilling campaign for its Aurora Uranium Project. This initiative aims to prepare for a future Pre-Feasibility Study. The Aurora site, located on the Oregon-Nevada border, claims to have the largest open pit-constrained, measured, and indicated uranium deposit in the U.S., containing 32.75 million pounds of indicated uranium.
Mark Mukhija, CEO of Eagle Energy Metals, emphasized, “We're seeing sustained demand for nuclear power translate into real demand for uranium, especially for U.S.-based projects.” This sentiment aligns with current market trends favoring domestic production.
Uranium Supply Dynamics and Market Implications
In 2023, U.S. utilities acquired more than 50 million pounds of uranium, with less than 5% sourced domestically. Recent executive actions by President Trump aim to bolster domestic uranium supply, including four executive orders to enhance U.S. nuclear power generation significantly over the next 25 years.
Notable Achievements in the Uranium Sector
Various companies are making strides in uranium production:
- Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE-A: UEC): Reported a total cost per pound of $34.35, maintaining low production costs while expanding operational capacity.
- NexGen Energy (NYSE: NXE): Achieved its highest-grade assay at Patterson Corridor East, emphasizing its potential as a leading uranium producer.
- Denison Mines (NYSE-A: DNN): Completed a new grid power connection for its Phoenix site, marking a crucial milestone for future developments.
- Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE-A: UUUU): Exceeded production guidance significantly, solidifying its status as a leading U.S. uranium supplier.
The Future of U.S. Uranium Industry
The coordinated efforts from both private enterprises and the U.S. government indicate a robust future for domestic uranium production. As the demand for nuclear energy escalates alongside AI advancements, companies like NexGen Energy (NYSE: NXE) and Eagle Energy Metals are poised to capitalize on this unprecedented growth opportunity. The push for securing a domestic uranium supply is not just an investment focus; it is a national security priority, ensuring the U.S. can meet its energy needs in a self-sufficient manner.