Supply Chain Vendor Evaluations

Beyond direct investment in reactor technology, some private equity firms are targeting nuclear power’s supply chain, investing in companies that manufacture critical components, produce specialized materials, and provide engineering services to the nuclear industry. With the rapid expansion of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced fission and fusion projects, demand for high-quality nuclear-grade materials, reactor components, and engineering expertise is growing. Additionally, the existing nuclear fleet has an estimated $85B in deferred capital expenditures which will be needed to support the planned license extensions from the original 40 years to 60, 80 or even 100 years of operation. Nuclear Due Diligence Associates provides detailed due diligence for supply chain vendors, helping investors identify strong acquisition targets and assess market positioning within this evolving sector.

Our evaluations include an in-depth review of a vendor’s manufacturing capabilities, compliance with nuclear-grade material standards, and ability to meet stringent regulatory requirements such as NQA-1 and ASME Section III. We also assess supply chain resilience, analyzing whether a vendor can scale production to meet projected industry growth and whether geopolitical risks could impact sourcing of critical materials. Additionally, Nuclear Due Diligence Associates evaluates a vendor’s existing contracts, customer base, and competitive differentiation, ensuring that investors have a clear picture of market opportunities and potential risks before committing capital.