Trump Administration Seeks State Support for Nuclear Waste Storage, Aiming for 400 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2050
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 22 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Nuclear Expansion Goals: The Trump administration plans to seek input from states this week to incentivize nuclear reactor construction, aiming to increase U.S. nuclear power capacity to 400 GW by 2050 to meet rising electricity demand.
- Waste Storage Challenges: Overcoming local opposition to nuclear waste storage is deemed critical for achieving nuclear expansion goals, as radioactive waste is currently stored onsite at nuclear plants, posing safety and environmental risks.
- Historical Context: A previous plan to designate Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a single repository for U.S. nuclear waste was halted by the Obama administration due to local opposition, highlighting the importance of local support.
- Market Reaction: Trump's remarks at the World Economic Forum emphasized the safety and affordability of nuclear power, leading to a rise in nuclear-related stocks such as Cameco and Denison Mines, reflecting positive market expectations for nuclear policy.
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Analyst Views on BWXT
Wall Street analysts forecast BWXT stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 202.910
Low
195.00
Averages
216.00
High
230.00
Current: 202.910
Low
195.00
Averages
216.00
High
230.00
About BWXT
BWX Technologies, Inc. is a specialty manufacturer of nuclear components, a developer of nuclear technologies and a service provider. The Company also provides special nuclear materials processing, environmental site restoration services, products, and services. Its Government Operations segment manufactures naval nuclear reactors, including related nuclear fuel, for the United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program for use in submarines and aircraft carriers. It also fabricates fuel-bearing precision components that range in weight from a few grams to hundreds of tons, manufactures electromechanical equipment, and performs design, manufacturing, inspection, assembly, and testing activities. The Company is also a provider of advanced specialty materials, fabrication, and high-strength alloy manufacturing. Its Commercial Operations segment designs and manufactures commercial nuclear steam generators, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, reactor components, and other auxiliary equipment.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Market Revival Trend: After a decade of stagnation following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the nuclear energy market is experiencing a resurgence driven by the surging demand from AI and data centers, highlighting nuclear power's critical role in future energy structures.
- NuScale's Development Challenges: While NuScale's small modular reactors (SMRs) offer potential for building smaller nuclear plants in remote areas, their 77 MWe output is significantly lower than traditional reactors, and with commercial deployment not expected until 2030, its stock has plummeted over 50% in the past year.
- BWX's Growth Potential: As the only large-scale nuclear component producer in North America, BWX's year-end backlog grew 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, driven by strong demand for naval propulsion components and microreactors, with revenue and EPS projected to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 17% from 2025 to 2028.
- Investment Strategy Recommendation: Although NuScale may achieve larger growth in the future, current high Treasury yields and macroeconomic pressures make BWX, as a market leader with a robust business model, a more attractive investment in this uncertain market environment.
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- Market Revival Context: After a decade of stagnation following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the nuclear energy market is experiencing a resurgence driven by the surging demand from artificial intelligence and data centers, rekindling interest in safer and more efficient reactors.
- NuScale's Development Status: NuScale focuses on small modular reactors (SMRs), with expectations that its first units won't be operational until 2030; analysts project revenue growth from $31.5 million in 2025 to $310.7 million by 2028, although profitability is expected to remain elusive for the foreseeable future.
- BWX's Market Advantage: As the only large-scale producer of nuclear components in North America, BWX's year-end backlog grew by 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, with revenue and EPS projected to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 17% from 2025 to 2028, underscoring its competitive strength in the nuclear sector.
- Investment Risk Assessment: While NuScale has significant growth potential, its market cap of $3.92 billion and trading at 13 times 2028 sales expose it to risks from competitors like BWX, leading investors to prefer BWX as a more stable investment amid high Treasury yields and macroeconomic uncertainties.
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- Nuclear Market Recovery: The International Energy Agency forecasts a more than 50% increase in global nuclear capacity from 2025 to 2050, indicating a gradual recovery in the nuclear energy market that is attracting renewed investor interest.
- Cameco's Market Position: Cameco mined approximately 15% of the world's uranium in 2025, and despite a downturn post-Fukushima, the rebound in uranium prices from $35 per pound in 2020 to $86.35 signals expected revenue and EBITDA growth rates of 8% and 12% respectively from 2025 to 2028.
- BWX's Industry Advantage: BWX Technologies stands as the only large-scale producer of nuclear components and fuel systems in North America, with a backlog that grew 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting strong demand in both defense and commercial nuclear sectors.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts project BWX's revenue and adjusted EBITDA to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 12% from 2025 to 2028, and while its current enterprise value is $19.5 billion, its diversification and market position justify this premium valuation.
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- Uranium Price Surge: Uranium spot prices rebounded from $35 per pound in 2020 to $86.35 in April 2023, with expectations to reach $125 this year, prompting Cameco to restart its mines to meet soaring demand, significantly enhancing its revenue potential.
- Strategic Acquisition: Cameco's partnership with Brookfield Asset Management to acquire Westinghouse Electric marks a pivotal shift towards becoming a more diversified nuclear energy company, reducing its exposure to volatile uranium prices and strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- BWX's Market Position: BWX stands as the only large-scale producer of nuclear components in North America, with its backlog growing 50% year-over-year to $7.3 billion by the end of 2025, indicating robust demand in both defense and commercial nuclear sectors, further solidifying its market presence.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts project that Cameco and BWX will experience revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth at CAGRs of 8% and 12%, respectively, from 2025 to 2028, reflecting the nuclear market's recovery and investor optimism regarding their future performance.
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- Nuclear Market Growth: With global energy demand surging, Cameco and BWX Technologies stocks have risen 103% and 82% respectively over the past year, indicating strong growth potential in the nuclear sector that attracts long-term investors.
- Cameco's Market Position: As the largest publicly traded uranium miner, Cameco commits to delivering 28 million pounds of uranium annually, securing a 17% share of global uranium supply and supporting U.S. energy independence strategies.
- Westinghouse Acquisition: Cameco and Brookfield Renewable Partners' $7.9 billion acquisition of Westinghouse, a key player in U.S. nuclear technology, is expected to drive the construction of 20 AP1000 reactors, further solidifying Cameco's market position.
- BWX Technologies' Unique Advantage: BWX Technologies holds a monopoly in supplying nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy, ensuring its critical role in national defense and the nuclear energy market, making it an attractive option for investors seeking long-term growth.
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- Nuclear Infrastructure Development: Cameco, the largest publicly traded uranium miner, has committed to delivering 28 million pounds of uranium annually over the next five years, ensuring a 17% share of the global uranium supply, thus playing a crucial role in nuclear infrastructure development.
- Major Agreement Signed: Cameco signed a $2.6 billion long-term agreement with India's Department of Atomic Energy to supply 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate through 2035, which not only enhances its international market position but also lays a foundation for future revenue growth.
- Acquisition of Westinghouse: Cameco and Brookfield Renewable Partners acquired Westinghouse for $7.9 billion, a key player in nuclear technology, which is expected to drive the construction of nuclear reactors in the U.S., further solidifying Cameco's leadership in the nuclear energy market.
- BWX's Market Advantage: BWX Technologies, as the exclusive supplier of nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy, holds a 70-year monopoly, and its expertise in manufacturing specialized equipment for nuclear energy and nuclear medicine positions it as a critical player in both national defense and the energy revolution, attracting long-term investor interest.
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