Two pure plays on the nuclear energy sector can be found in the Market Vectors Nuclear Energy (NLR) as well as the PowerShares Global Nuclear Energy Portfolio (PKN) exchange traded funds (ETFs). 

The nuclear power industry supplies around 16% of the world’s electricity, that number could double by 2030, says Mike MacMillan for Centre Daily.

But wait until NLR travels above its trend line before rushing out to buy shares, as it’s currently sitting 7.8% below. The fund is also down 8.7% year-to-date. Assets are around $160 million as of March, in NLR, and the expense ratio is 0.65%.

PKN is still new – it launched on April 3.

As the debate over global warming gathers steam, the nuclear power industry could be one sector to benefit from the hunt for alternative energies. Seventeen power companies are making plans to build 30 nuclear plans. And Tallahassee, Florida, was given the okay recently to build its first nuclear plant in decades.

Tags: Energy, Sector ETFs