E67: Megawatts & Megatrends: Nuclear's Second Act
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Nuclear energy is experiencing a significant resurgence driven by robust policy support substantial capital investment and rapid technological advancements positioning it as a critical solution to meet growing global power demand
- Key legislative actions, such as the ADVANCE Act and Department of Energy programs are accelerating reactor licensing and installation leading to projected cost reduction of up to 50%, making nuclear power a competitive and clean energy source
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a pivotal technology for future energy needs offering rapidly deployable and grid-independent solutions for high-demand sectors like data centers with commercial operation anticipated by the early 2030s
Robert Rowe, U.S. Regional Director of Research, sits down with Vikram Bagri, who oversees U.S. Alternative & Renewable Energy, to discuss the state of nuclear power. Topics include technological advances in nuclear power, U.S. public-policy efforts to speed adoption, and how the U.S. is faring in competing with China.
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Robert Rowe, U.S. Regional Director of Research, Citi
Rob Rowe is the Head of Citi Research’s Global Strategy & Macro Group (GSMG) as well as Head of Research for the Americas. GSMG unites all of Citi’s Economists with Fixed Income, FX, Equity and Commodities strategists to create a common team providing research on the world’s major economies and asset classes. Rob has been with Citi for 35 years in various capacities. He originally joined Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Company in 1989 working in investment banking, fixed income sales, and research. In addition to his overall responsibilities, he continues to provide portfolio strategy for select clients as part of his previous role overseeing the Global Bond Portfolio Analysis team. Rob is a graduate of Hartwick College with a BA in European History and the Theatre. He is also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Vikram Bagri, U.S. Alternative & Renewable Energy Citi
Vikram Bagri is a Director at Citi Research covering the Alternative Energy, Renewables and Refining sectors in North America, having re-joined the firm in 2023. Prior to this, he has over a decade of experience on the sell-side covering the Engineering & Construction, Exploration & Production, Midstream Energy and Refining sectors at firms such as Citi, Jefferies and Needham & Company. Immediately prior to joining Citi, Vikram covered the Alternative Energy space at Needham & Co. Vikram was recognized as a rising star of Wall Street in the Institutional Investor America poll in 2017. In 2018, he was recognized as a rising star in the same magazine in both the MLPs and Natural Gas categories. Vikram holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from University of Rochester and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Kurukshetra University. Vikram enjoys volleyball, tennis and badminton.
