Big Tech, Big Bets, and the Nuclear Option

Companies Mentioned: Amazon, Google, Meta, Dow Chemical, Oklo, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, BASF, OCI/Fertiglobe, Norsk Hydro, ArcelorMittal, X-energy, Citadel, Agilyx, Cyclyx, Nova Chemicals, Plastic Energy, Gevo, Summit Carbon Solutions, REX American Resources, The Andersons, Valero, POET, ADM, Green Plains, Brightmark, Danimer Scientific, Carbios
Commodities Mentioned: Electricity, Ethanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Renewable Diesel, Recycled Plastics, Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Jet Fuel, Methanol, Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), Carbon Offsets, Bioplastics, Corn, CO₂, Hydrogen (Green, Blue, Grey)

1st Topic of the Week: Small modular reactors (SMR), despite their challenges, offer a low-carbon power output option at a relatively high capacity factor – with Tech interest rising, will it now get the push it needs to scale?
2nd Topic of the Week: The US green hydrogen dream is hitting a hard wall of economics – without clearer rules and better returns, billions in planned investment will face being lit on fire or not leaving the drawing board.
Otherwise – We discuss plastic recycling headwinds remaining elevated, takeaways from the recent Gevo business update, the US ethanol market setting, and a wave of bankruptcies among small sustainable plastic producers.

Exhibit 1: The high capacity factor of Nuclear power is one of its primary benefits relative to other sources.