VanEck Proposed Nuclear Growth for AI and Bitcoin
Executives suggested increasing nuclear power to support the surging energy demands of AI and digital asset operations.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Data Centers
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VanEck executives have proposed expanding nuclear power capacity in the United States to meet the massive electricity requirements of AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations. The move coincides with a trend where miners leverage their existing power infrastructure to secure contracts with high-performance computing firms.
Why it matters
Surging electricity demand from AI and digital asset sectors has incentivized a shift toward nuclear energy as a stable power source. By securing cheaper power, Bitcoin miners can reduce their reliance on selling digital assets to cover operational costs.
The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) saw an annual increase of approximately 40%, reaching $2.8 billion in total assets by the end of 2025. This growth supports a wider US government objective to quadruple national nuclear power output over the next 25 years.
The players
VanEck
This investment management firm operates multiple financial products including Bitcoin investment vehicles and nuclear-focused exchange-traded funds.
Matthew Sigel
He is an executive at VanEck who reported observed trends regarding seller fatigue among Bitcoin miners.
Jan van Eck
He serves as a primary executive at VanEck and has advocated for policy shifts regarding nuclear energy infrastructure.
Constellation Energy
This energy company partnered with Microsoft to initiate the restart of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island.
The details
Bitcoin miners have begun leasing their existing power infrastructure and contracts to AI and high-performance computing companies, creating a new revenue stream. This diversification allows miners to offset electricity costs without needing to sell their Bitcoin holdings.
Timeline
September 2025: Jan van Eck discussed nuclear power policy shifts.
End of 2025: The VanEck nuclear ETF reached $2.8 billion in assets.
October 2026: Matthew Sigel observed signs of Bitcoin miner seller fatigue.
Next 25 years: The US government plans to quadruple nuclear power output.
The Tech Race
The push to scale nuclear energy reflects the broader effort to address the massive electricity bottlenecks threatening the expansion of AI infrastructure. This pivot follows the pattern set by the Three Mile Island reactor restart deal to secure dedicated power sources for high-performance computing.
As mining operations move toward sustainable, long-term power contracts, individual investors may see lower volatility in Bitcoin markets as miner liquidations taper. Consumers should expect increased competition for power grid capacity as AI facilities and miners align to secure reliable energy.
The takeaway
The intersection of nuclear energy and digital assets represents a significant shift in how tech infrastructure is financed and powered. Investors should watch for how long-term energy stability impacts the supply-side dynamics of digital asset markets.
Further reading
For additional insights on the infrastructure requirements of the industry, see the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Crypto Briefing.
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