Rob Weis

Ever since Obama mentioned the word "Nuclear" in his last State of the Union address, I've been looking for ways to invest in Nuclear energy. All through my career in IT I've worked for companies and government agencies that have been involved in the nuclear industry industry. Until recently, nuclear energy always had a public image problem. Over the last 30 years the industry has had several advancements in reducing the waste, reusing the spent fuel, and operating safely. Now with a cleaner public image, nuclear energy is center stage as a real energy solution.
 
Everybody is talking about nuclear energy! From neighborhood nuclear plants to large scale multi-billion dollar guaranteed government loans, the options for its deployment are stronger than ever. Even Bill Gates is proposing nuclear energy as the foundation for large scale energy consumption in his philanthropic projects. (Take a look at his TED talk http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates.html
 
So, where do you invest to become a part of this exciting new future? First off, I'm not a broker or a qualified stock expert. I'm merely a blogger who loves stock and investing. Second, study all stock/funds/etfs/etc for fees, past performance, etc before you invest! RTFP (read the prospectus)
 
There's several companies that are part of the nuclear infrastructure industry domestically and internationally. Although, to my knowledge, only a single nuclear energy based ETF (Exchange Traded Fund). I'm personally invested in the Market Vectors Nuclear Energy ETF (ticker = NLR). 
 
Utilizing an ETF like NLR gives you a couple of advantages compared to individual stock investments:

• The fund is managed by a professional. This is a pro and a con since it has a cost associated with the fund. But, managed means its constantly evaluating the industry for performers that are successful. I don't have all day to study the nuclear industry. For me, this is a pro and is worth the small fee (0.61% last time I checked).
• The fund contains several stocks that are internationally traded. It's difficult to trade these stocks individually without bank accounts, broker accounts, currency, and the knowledge of laws and regulations in each country's own market. This fund takes care of this all for you.
• You're somewhat diversified in one industry. Since the fund contains several companies you'll be following the industry rather than individual companies success or failures. 
• The NLR ETF helps reach my goal to be part of the Nuclear industry as a whole instead of a single company. This way I'm covering the industry from the infrastructure to the services delivery.

One of the top 10 holdings in the NLR fund is a large nuclear player called Areva. They are in the process of building a plant just outside my home town of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Leveraging the scientific and nuclear talent in Idaho is a great strategy! I've had the opportunity to listen to their community plans of growth, jobs, and general business strategy. They appear to be a very sustainable, highly experienced, energetic company looking to grow. I believe Areva is poised to meet the future Nuclear demand thats unfolding today.
There are several other holdings in the ETF including: Mitsubishi, Exelon, and other mining and metal companies that provide Nuclear infrastructure. For the latest holdings, check out Morning Star reports:

http://quicktake.morningstar.com/etfnet/Holdings.aspx?symbol=NLR&country=USA

In conclusion, I'm not a tree hugger or a hummer driver. I'm looking for a green investment that will help the environment and be profitable in the long run. If you've written the nuclear industry off, I would reconsider it as a genuine possibility for clean energy. Finally, keep in mind that this type of energy infrastructure is a long term investment. It won't happen over night and has a long ways to go. Happy investing!
 
STATUS as of 04/02/10 - I purchased NLR on Feb 17, 2010 at 21.99 per share. It is currently at $23.15 per share.