X-energy’s stock popped today in its debut on the Nasdaq, opening at $30.11 before closing at $29.20, up 27% over its initial public offering of $23 per share.
Investors can’t get enough nuclear power, apparently. Even the initial share price had been revised upward from the $16 to $19 target floated by the company during its investor roadshow. At close, the company was valued at $11.5 billion.
Just five years ago, such interest in a nuclear startup would have come as a surprise to many.
Back then, the nuclear industry was haunted by delayed projects and massive cost overruns at recently completed reactors. Two power plants were completed in Georgia — one in the late 2010s and another in the early 2020s. In total, they cost around $30 billion to build.
Nuclear startups in the early 2020s were in their infancy, and at least one frontrunner had run into significant regulatory problems, sparking fears that the industry hadn’t been able to put its past behind it.
Now, investors appear optimistic that X-energy and its peers have figured out a way around the challenges.
Much of the momentum can be traced to the AI-driven data center boom. GPUs need tremendous amounts of electricity, and while solar, wind, batteries, and natural gas have been filling the need today, tech companies have been hoping to diversify. Nuclear power is one of the many options they’ve been exploring, hoping that the compact form factor will be an ideal fit for their sprawling data centers.
Nuclear power has long had more potential to power the U.S. grid than it has been able to deliver. Today, about 18% of electricity in the country comes from nuclear power. But reactor costs have risen in recent decades. Nuclear power might be one of the most reliable sources of electricity in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most expensive.
X-energy’s 80-megawatt reactor design is an order of magnitude smaller than many existing nuclear power plants. The company is betting that modularity can help bring costs down, and data center operators are hoping that a single campus can be powered by a fleet of reactors, providing the sort of redundancy and stability they prize. Amazon has said it will buy up to 5 gigawatts worth of capacity from X-energy over the next decade or so, but chemical maker Dow will receive the startup’s first power plant.
Construction is underway at X-energy’s fuel facility, and while the company has yet to start construction of a power plant, investors appear bullish that the company will be able to break nuclear power free from its decades-long malaise.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody a former chairman of the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over allegations of financial misconduct involving about ₦36.54 billion and $30 million.
Ayeni was apprehended in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and is currently being held at the commission’s detention facility.
His arrest followed an ongoing probe by the EFCC into claims that large sums of money—reportedly sourced as loans from Polaris Bank Plc—were improperly handled through several firms associated with him.
Investigators said the funds, initially secured for designated projects, were allegedly redirected into accounts of other companies. The loans were said to have been intended for ventures such as maritime security operations, power distribution contracts, and real estate development.
However, findings indicate that the money was instead channelled into the acquisition of NITEL/MTEL assets through a NATCOM-linked account.
The anti-graft agency is examining the activities of at least twelve companies connected to Ayeni, which are believed to have been used to obtain the loans under questionable circumstances.
The EFCC maintains that the funds involved were depositors’ money that was unlawfully accessed and misapplied.
Ayeni is expected to face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
A political support group under the banner of Progressive Mind of Zabot Ward in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group publicly endorsed his ambition to represent Barkin Ladi-Riyom Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong show of commitment, the group also promised to purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the aspirant, describing him as a credible and capable leader with the vision to deliver quality representation to the people of the constituency.
Leading the group, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong said the Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward, made up of over 2,000 APC members across men, women, and youths, had carefully assessed all aspirants and found Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John best suited to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
He explained that the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the aspirant’s vision, competence, and readiness, especially after his recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot, where he clearly outlined plans for effective and people-centered representation.
Gwong noted that the group’s decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, stressing that Chun John possesses the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection required to deliver meaningful representation at the National Assembly.
As a demonstration of their commitment, he announced that the group would purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, urging him to step forward and contest while assuring him of their full support.
Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots leader who is always present and supportive, especially during times of insecurity, noting that his closeness to the people and consistent interventions make him fit to represent the constituency.
On behalf of the women, Mary Gyang, the Woman Leader, urged members of the ward to rally behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John, calling for unity in support of his ambition. She appealed to the aspirant to prioritize empowerment and security if elected, and prayed for God’s guidance and success in his political journey.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comr. Hwere David Ayuba described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a resilient and impactful leader who has consistently empowered young people through various initiatives, noting that even without holding elective office, he has demonstrated strong leadership and capacity, making him a worthy choice to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed deep appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward, describing their endorsement and decision to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms as a rare show of love and confidence in his vision.
He said the gesture came as a surprise, noting that the willingness of an entire ward to take such responsibility reflects their belief in his capacity to deliver and their commitment to the movement.
The aspirant assured the group that he would not take their support for granted, pledging to justify the trust reposed in him if given the opportunity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
He further emphasized that the growing endorsements from different wards signal that the time is right for a new direction, adding that he is ready to step forward and serve the people with dedication and purpose.