MacroVoices #389 Justin Huhn: Update On All Things Nuclear
Aug 17, 2023
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Uranium Insider founder Justin Huhn joins MacroVoices to discuss the bullish case for uranium mining stocks in the near to medium term. They also delve into advanced nuclear technologies and the potential for a nuclear renaissance. The chapter on investing strategies in the uranium market provides valuable insights. Crude oil inventory report and future price predictions are also discussed.
There is a significant supply shortfall in uranium mining stocks due to high demand from existing and upcoming nuclear reactors, creating a bullish outlook for the market.
Advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), are the future of nuclear energy, offering economic advantages and driving the global trend away from large-scale reactors.
Renewable energy sources have limitations in terms of intermittency and grid stability, while nuclear power is gaining recognition as a consistent base load clean power source, highlighting the need for a diversified energy mix.
Deep dives
Review of the bullish case for uranium mining stocks
The podcast episode discusses the near to medium-term bull case for uranium mining stocks. The speaker emphasizes a significant supply shortfall and rising prices due to the demand from existing nuclear reactors, reactors under construction, and the absence of major new build plans. The market outlook for uranium is very positive, with sustained prices and a potential expansion of reprocessing fuel. The potential geopolitical risks with Kazakhstan's uranium supply and China's dominant role in the nuclear sector are also highlighted.
The future of nuclear and advanced nuclear technologies
The podcast explores the future of nuclear energy, particularly advanced nuclear technologies. It mentions exciting developments like new countries pledging to build nuclear reactors and advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs). While China and Russia are leading in current nuclear build-outs, the global trend is moving towards SMRs. These reactors offer economic advantages, including faster implementation, scalability, and potential changes in reactor design. The importance of assembly line efficiencies of scale is emphasized in driving the future of nuclear energy and defining a nation's role in the world.
Evaluating the advantages and challenges of renewables
The podcast examines the advantages and challenges of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. It highlights the limitations of renewables in terms of intermittency, energy return on investment (EROI), and grid stability. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) metric is scrutinized as not accurately representing long-term costs. The sentiment towards renewables has shifted as their inefficiencies become apparent, while nuclear power is gaining recognition for consistent base load clean power. The need for a diversified energy mix and the recognition of nuclear as a stable and clean power source are acknowledged.
The role of China in the nuclear industry
The podcast discusses China's significant role in the nuclear energy industry. It focuses on China's rapid nuclear expansion plans, aiming to build 10 reactors per year for the next decade. While China is a leader in large reactor construction, it is not currently leading in small modular reactors (SMRs). The importance of geopolitical alignments in nuclear contracts is highlighted, with China leveraging its position for strategic purposes. However, the podcast does not specifically mention China's lead in thorium-fueled molten salt reactors.
Uranium price expected to rise
The speaker believes that the price of uranium will increase due to utilities returning from summer vacations and upcoming conferences. The technical charts of stocks in the uranium sector and the commodity itself look positive. The speaker recommends owning physical uranium as a bet on the commodity going higher.
Technical analysis of markets
The podcast also discusses technical analysis of markets such as crude oil, S&P 500, NASDAQ, US dollar, gold, uranium, and 10-year treasury note futures. The analysts provide insights on key support and resistance levels, expected moves, and potential market trends based on technical indicators.
MacroVoices Erik Townsend and Patrick Ceresna welcome Uranium Insider founder and publisher Justin Huhn to the show. They begin with a review of the near-to-medium term bull case for uranium mining stocks before moving on to a longer-term discussion about advanced nuclear technologies. https://bit.ly/45uBR9Y