Why uranium is gaining momentum as 2026 gets underway

After finishing 2025 on a relatively calm note, uranium is beginning to attract renewed attention in early 2026.

While the move has been gradual rather than explosive, uranium prices have been trending higher over the past month. The spot price has climbed back above US$82 per pound, marking roughly an 8% rise since mid-December.

Demand is quietly strengthening

The biggest driver behind uranium’s recent lift is improving demand visibility across global nuclear markets.

Nuclear power is regaining its status as a reliable baseload energy source. Governments are extending the lives of existing reactors, approving new builds, and backing nuclear as a low-carbon solution alongside renewables.

The US is seeing particularly strong activity. Utilities are actively securing long-term uranium supply as domestic production struggles to keep up with reactor demand. At the same time, restrictions on Russian nuclear fuel imports are forcing Western utilities to source supply elsewhere, tightening the global market.

Another emerging tailwind is electricity demand from data centres and AI infrastructure. Nuclear power is increasingly viewed as one of the few scalable energy sources capable of delivering reliable, emissions-free power at scale.

Some analysts now believe uranium prices could test US$90 to US$100 per pound during 2026 if utility contracting accelerates.

ASX uranium stocks back in focus

On the ASX, uranium miners are beginning to reflect this improving outlook.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has been back in favour in early January, with investors responding to stronger uranium prices and improving confidence around nuclear expansion in key markets. Currently up more than 15% so far in 2026, Paladin is well-positioned to benefit if uranium prices continue to rise.

Meanwhile, Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) continues to progress its long-term growth strategy. The company’s focus on advancing its Namibian uranium projects and strengthening its production pipeline positions it well for a higher price environment. That progress has been reflected in the share price, which is up almost 17% so far in 2026.

Will uranium keep rising?

Uranium is a small and specialised market, so prices can move quickly in both directions. Spot prices remain below some long-term contract levels, and further gains will depend on steady buying from nuclear power companies rather than short-term trading.

Even so, the outlook looks positive. New supply is limited, global trade is being reshaped by geopolitics, and nuclear power is firmly back in favour as a reliable energy source.

The past month may be an early sign of a new uranium cycle, though it is still early.

The post Why uranium is gaining momentum as 2026 gets underway appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.