Is the Nuclear Power Comeback Real? Here's the Best Way to Invest in It.

Data center operators are working to ensure they have an adequate power supply to meet the steep power demands of AI computing.

NuScale Power and Oklo are pioneering the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Cameco and Centrus Energy are leaders in nuclear fuel production.

It's certainly not what LL Cool J had in mind when he wrote the lyrics to Mama Said Knock You Out , but the opening lines, "Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years," certainly ring true with nuclear energy. After years of unpopularity, nuclear energy has seen a surge in interest as data center operators scramble to secure an adequate power supply to meet the high power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) computing.

From companies pioneering the development of advanced nuclear reactors to those providing the fuel that makes nuclear power possible, there are a variety of investment opportunities -- but one shines brighter than the rest.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »

Unlike some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold hundreds of securities, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NYSEMKT: NLR) holds only 29. But don't let its limited portfolio size fool you. The ETF holds a wide range of industry leaders, representing various links in the nuclear energy industry value chain.

As AI tools have soared in popularity, many data center operators have turned to companies developing small modular reactors (SMRs) to ensure an adequate power supply. Consequently, investors have a great opportunity to gain exposure to these industry leaders by investing in the fund, with NuScale Power and Oklo each holding a 4.5% and 4.3% weighting, respectively.