finance
Europe Expands Nuclear Programs as Data Center Demand Rises
Nuclear-sector dealmaking reached $3 billion in the first half of 2026. Several European countries are reviving or expanding reactor programs while the EU promotes small modular reactors.
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Nuclear-sector dealmaking hit a seven-year high in 2025 with 25 transactions worth $1.5 billion, while the first half of 2026 has already seen $3 billion in announced deals. Countries including the UK, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland are expanding or reviving nuclear programs, while the EU is promoting small modular reactors.
Rising electricity demand from AI data centers, energy security concerns, and decarbonization goals are cited as factors behind the activity. AI data centers require large amounts of continuous power, and operators are turning to nuclear sources that can run without interruption.
The regulatory environment in Europe has moved in favor of nuclear projects amid volatile global energy markets and goals for energy independence. OilPrice.com reported that nuclear power is experiencing a revival across the continent linked to these conditions.
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