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Advanced Reactor Milestones Bolster NUKZ


The global push for reliable baseload power is driving rapid development in the advanced reactor market and shining a bright light on nuclear energy supply chains, with key companies hitting major operational and criticality milestones. This momentum is directly benefiting the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ ), which provides targeted exposure to the entire nuclear ecosystem, including advanced reactors, fuel, utilities, and services.

Key Takeaways

  • Mirion Technologies (MIR) supported multiple reactor developers in successfully achieving key milestones through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pilot program.
  • Curtiss-Wright (CW) announced a major $80 million multi-year investment to expand its manufacturing and testing capacity in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.
  • Both companies are holdings in the (NUKZ ) ETF, driving the fund’s exposure to the growing global nuclear supply chain.

Mirion Milestones and Advanced Reactor Progress

Specialized safety systems and instrumentation remain a critical operational bottleneck in the rollout of small modular reactors (SMRs). To address this need, Mirion Technologies (MIR) recently supported advanced reactor criticality milestones under the U.S. Department of Energy reactor pilot program. The firm’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Energy Solutions, coordinated with microreactor developers to deploy the essential radiation monitoring and nuclear safety systems required during pilot operations.

This development builds on the shift in retail demand toward microreactors as key grid power milestones are met. For investors tracking the sector, these high-barrier contracts show why Mirion is a vital, long-term partner in the supply chain

Curtiss-Wright Invests in Nuclear Manufacturing Capacity

Meanwhile, industrial component manufacturers are using capital to expand physical production capacity to match long-term utility backlogs. Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) is growing its capacity to capitalize on secular tailwinds. The nuclear energy supply chain company announced an $80 million multi-year investment to expand its operations in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.

Maritime industrial funding and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania backs the new funding. This expansion will focus on the facility’s testing and manufacturing footprint for critical nuclear components. 

This new capital highlights the massive physical backlogs currently facing industrial suppliers as both commercial nuclear power and naval defense demands accelerate.

Accessing the Investment Opportunity With NUKZ

While the nuclear renaissance presents compelling long-term growth, selecting individual winners in this highly technical sector carries significant concentration risk. An index-based approach like NUKZ provides a strategic solution, offering exposure to the entire nuclear value chain.

NUKZ holds Curtiss-Wright and Mirion Technologies in its portfolio, delivering access to these compelling investment opportunities among others. NUKZ has $783 million in assets, indicating robust portfolio adoption.

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vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for NUKZ, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, NUKZ is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of NUKZ.

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