The Angle from T. Rowe Price Beyond the Core – Advancing Nuclear Solutions for the Future
Feb 18, 2026
Maria Elena Drew, Head of Global Sustainability, on nuclear’s environmental tradeoffs and public perception. Rick DeLos-Reyes, portfolio manager and natural resources lead, on policy, uranium supply, and deployment hurdles. They discuss nuclear’s comeback, small modular reactors, supply chain and workforce constraints, and waste, water, and safety concerns.
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Nuclear Revival Fueled By Security And Decarbonization
- Nuclear's comeback is driven by energy security and decarbonization pressures.
- Maria Elena Drew notes demand growth from electrification and AI plus desire to reduce fossil fuel imports as key catalysts.
Fukushima Pushed Germany Into Rapid Phase Out
- Germany's public reaction to Fukushima triggered an accelerated nuclear phase-out.
- Maria Elena Drew recounts that Fukushima pushed Germany to shut seven reactors immediately and plan a full phase-out by 2022.
Use Government Sites To Jumpstart SMR Deployment
- Governments must lead on licensing and initial deployments to scale nuclear.
- Rick DeLos-Reyes highlights the White House order to deploy SMRs at a military site by 2028 to jumpstart private-sector adoption.