NuScale Power Leads SMR Certification Amid AI Energy Demand

NuScale Power Corporation currently holds the only small modular reactor (SMR) design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States. While the company generates revenue from licensing and engineering fees, it faces high cash burn and a nearly 20 percent decline in stock value over the year as investors seek a concrete timeline for commercial operations.

To secure its market position, the company has pursued several strategic partnerships. It signed a memorandum of understanding with ENTRA1 Energy to deploy up to 6 gigawatts of SMR power in connection with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Additionally, RoPower has expressed interest in utilizing six NuScale reactors for a power plant in Doiceşti, Romania.

NuScale is now competing with Oklo to meet the surging energy requirements of AI data centers. Although Oklo lacks NRC design approval and is not expected to generate revenue until at least 2027, the company has reached a market capitalization exceeding $12 billion, bolstered by the backing of AI leader Sam Altman.