NuScale Power Faces Challenge of Securing First Contract
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Market Opportunity: NuScale Power is in discussions with South Korea regarding investment and a reactor project, and while it has yet to secure its first SMR contract, this potential collaboration highlights the market appeal of its technology, which could lead to long-term growth opportunities for the company.
- Technological Advantage: NuScale's SMR technology has received regulatory approval and features factory-built, transportable units with modern safety systems, positioning it to meet the anticipated surge in electricity demand from data centers, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.
- Contract Challenges: Despite ongoing negotiations for a six-reactor deal in Romania and partnerships with ENTRA1 Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority, none have materialized into actual sales, indicating the company's struggle to achieve commercialization.
- Business Model Risks: Even if South Korea becomes its first customer, NuScale must still complete the construction and delivery of its SMRs; the current high-risk status and ongoing losses suggest that investors should be cautious, with risk-averse individuals advised to wait until the company achieves sustainable profitability before considering investment.
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Analyst Views on SMR
Wall Street analysts forecast SMR stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
6 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 13.950
Low
18.50
Averages
32.77
High
60.00
Current: 13.950
Low
18.50
Averages
32.77
High
60.00
About SMR
NuScale Power Corporation is a provider of proprietary advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology. The NuScale Power Module, the Company's SMR technology, is a small pressurized water reactor that can generate approximately 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe) or 250 megawatts thermal (gross) and can be scaled to meet customer needs through an array of flexible configurations of up to 924 MWe (12 modules) of output. In addition to the sale of NPMs, it offers a diversified suite of services throughout the development and operating life of the power plant. The Company's suite of services is planned to include licensing support, testing, training, fuel supply services and program management, among others. It serves a range of customers consisting of domestic and international governments, utilities, state-owned enterprises and technology and industrial companies in need of carbon-free, reliable energy.
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.
- Project Financing Uncertainty: NuScale Power's two major projects, a 6-gigawatt system in the U.S. and a 462-megawatt system in Romania, have not yet entered the construction phase, and the lack of financing decisions has led the market to price the stock at a discount due to significant uncertainty about their future viability.
- Future Announcement Expectations: NuScale is expected to release its next earnings report in August, with the November report being the last major opportunity for management to update the project pipeline, creating anticipation in the market, particularly regarding the collaboration with Romania's Nuclearelectrica.
- Romania Project Progress: Romania's Energy Minister stated that the final investment decision for the Doicești SMR project marks the transition from analysis to implementation, with plans to replace 600 megawatts of old thermal power with 462 megawatts of clean energy, highlighting the country's leadership in the new European nuclear industry.
- TVA Project Outlook: The project with the Tennessee Valley Authority is viewed as more significant, with management expressing hope to finalize a binding power purchasing agreement (PPA) this year, which would pave the way for construction and potentially lead to a major announcement in the November earnings call.
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- Financing Uncertainty: NuScale Power's two major projects, a 6-gigawatt nuclear system in the U.S. and a 462-megawatt system in Romania, have not yet entered construction and are still awaiting financing updates, leading to a discounted stock price reflecting significant uncertainty about the future of these small modular reactor (SMR) systems.
- Future Announcement Timing: NuScale is set to release its next earnings report in August, followed by a significant announcement in November, which may provide crucial updates on its project pipeline, particularly regarding the collaboration with Romanian nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica, although no major progress is expected this year.
- Power Purchase Agreement Progress: The project with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is considered more critical, with management expressing hope to finalize a binding power purchase agreement (PPA) this year, which would pave the way for construction and significantly enhance the company's market position if successful.
- Decreased Market Attention: Despite management's comments on a “quieter quarter” in terms of announcements during the latest earnings call, investors should remain vigilant regarding NuScale's future developments, especially with the upcoming earnings report that may reveal positive news about project advancements.
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- Board Changes: NuScale Power elected Stuart A. Harshaw and Dale E. Klein to its board on May 29, increasing the total to nine directors, eight of whom are independent, thereby enhancing the company's governance structure.
- Technology Certification: As the only company to receive design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR), NuScale's certification boosts its market competitiveness and attracts increased investor interest.
- International Collaboration Opportunities: South Korea is reportedly considering investing in NuScale's SMR project as part of its $200 billion investment commitment to the U.S., which could provide NuScale with new market opportunities and growth momentum.
- Improved Investor Sentiment: Retail sentiment around SMR stock shifted from 'bullish' to 'extremely bullish' in the past 24 hours, reflecting growing optimism for nuclear energy stocks, despite the stock having declined over 14% in 2026.
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