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July 16 (Reuters) - Standard Nuclear STDN.N shares fell 10% in their New York Stock Exchange debut on Thursday, after the company slashed its offering size as investors remain cautious about valuations.

The Oak Ridge, Tennessee-based company's shares opened at $13.50, below its offered price of $15 apiece, giving the nuclear fuel firm a valuation of $2.17 billion.

The market debut highlights that investors remain selective despite renewed enthusiasm for nuclear power, fueled by surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers and supportive U.S. policies.

Technology giants and utilities are increasingly seeking carbon-free, round-the-clock electricity to support the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, driving renewed interest in nuclear energy.

While companies linked to the nuclear supply chain have attracted attention, investors have been cautious towards high-risk businesses.

Standard Nuclear, which slashed its IPO on Wednesday, raised $150 million by selling 10 million shares at $15 each.

Still, companies in the sector are expected to benefit from a series of executive orders moved by the Trump administration in May 2025, designed to speed reactor approvals and support the nuclear fuel supply chain.

President Donald Trump aims to quadruple the country's nuclear power capacity by 2050 to meet rising electricity demand from data centers, electric vehicles and cryptocurrencies.

Standard Nuclear's debut follows those of reactor developers X-energy XE.O and Deep Fission FISN.O, whose shares are also below their IPO prices.

Shares of Oklo OKLO.N, which went public in May 2024, have slumped more than 36% this year, as of last close.

Standard Nuclear processes enriched uranium feedstock into advanced nuclear fuel for reactors, including small modular reactors and microreactors.