Global nuclear mergers and acquisitions almost doubled in value during the first half of 2026 as investor confidence grew around the sector’s role in supporting artificial intelligence, data centres and energy security.
Analysis from White & Case found global nuclear M&A reached $7.0 billion (£5.2bn) across 44 deals in the first half of 2026, compared with $3.6 billion (£2.7bn) from 40 transactions during the same period last year.
At the current pace, 2026 is expected to become the second strongest year for nuclear dealmaking on record, behind only 2024, when global M&A reached $29.0 billion (£21.6bn).
The EMEA region also recorded strong growth. While the number of transactions remained broadly unchanged, deal value rose from $1.2 billion (£895m) in H1 2025 to $3.0 billion (£2.2bn) in H1 2026.
White & Case said growing electricity demand from AI and hyperscale data centres is strengthening the investment case for nuclear power as a reliable source of low-carbon baseload electricity.
Investors are increasingly targeting opportunities across the wider nuclear supply chain, including reactor technologies, engineering, fuel production and supporting infrastructure.
Governments are also placing greater emphasis on nuclear as part of their energy security and industrial strategies, with countries including the UK and US reforming licensing and permitting processes for advanced reactors and small modular reactors.
The report also highlights the emergence of new funding models, including public-private partnerships, state-backed financing and risk-sharing mechanisms designed to improve project bankability and attract private investment.
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