Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Dominique Cooper is joined by Lucian Niemeyer for an in‑depth discussion on the role advanced nuclear technologies play in strengthening U.S. national security and energy resilience. The conversation centers on UCAN Power’s recent white paper, Restoring American Nuclear Industry Dominance, which outlines how the Department of Defense can lead the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced nuclear systems to meet both defense and commercial electricity needs. Niemeyer explains why today’s reactor technologies are safer and more capable than ever—and why resilient, reliable power has become a strategic imperative. The episode explores how advanced nuclear can be deployed at scale on military installations and in future space missions, examining funding models, public‑private partnerships, and the challenges posed by fragmented nuclear programs. Niemeyer also lays out practical steps the Department of Defense can take now to accelerate deployment, strengthen the industrial base, and ensure nuclear power underpins deterrence, operational readiness, and long‑term national security. White paper: https://ucanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UCAN-Power-White-Paper-on-DOW-Nuclear-Power-Deployment-Jan-26.pdf

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Felice Presti, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager for Nuclear Power at Bechtel, to explore what it really takes to rebuild American nuclear leadership. With 87% of reactors built globally since 2017 based on Russian and Chinese designs, the stakes for the U.S. nuclear industry could not be higher. Presti—who oversees Bechtel’s entire nuclear project portfolio—offers a clear‑eyed, practitioner’s view of what’s broken, what’s working, and what must change to deliver nuclear power at scale. Drawing on decades of experience spanning the Hanford nuclear cleanup, NASA launch infrastructure, Plant Vogtle, TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Wyoming, and Poland’s first nuclear power plant, Presti explains why execution—not rhetoric—will define the nuclear renaissance. The conversation dives into design maturity, integrated EPC delivery, supply chain readiness, workforce development, and why nuclear is uniquely positioned to meet soaring demand driven by AI, geopolitics, and energy security. This is a candid, ground‑truth conversation about building reactors—not just talking about them—and why America’s nuclear comeback will be decided in places like Wyoming, Georgia, and Poland.

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Chris Ploch shares his unconventional journey from law school to becoming a key voice in U.S. nuclear policy. Drawing on experience across government and the energy sector, Chris breaks down how recent executive orders, licensing reforms, and workforce initiatives are reshaping the future of nuclear energy in America.The conversation explores how federal nuclear executive orders are influencing industry momentum, why culture change at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is critical to deploying advanced reactors, and what it will take to build a durable, skilled nuclear workforce. The episode also places U.S. nuclear innovation in a global context, examining strategic competition with China and Russia and what it means for energy security and leadership.Whether you’re new to nuclear policy or deeply embedded in the industry, this episode offers clear insights into the policy levers and people shaping the next era of advanced nuclear in the United States.

In this episode, host Dominique sits down with Amir Vexler, CEO of Centrus Energy, for an in‑depth look at the revival of American uranium enrichment and what it means for the future of U.S. energy independence. As the only American‑owned company enriching uranium on U.S. soil, Centrus occupies a uniquely strategic position at the intersection of national security, advanced nuclear technologies, and global energy competition. Vexler shares his journey through the nuclear industry, the challenges of rebuilding a domestic enrichment capability, and why execution, innovation, and reliability matter now more than ever. He discusses Centrus’s expanding footprint at the massive Piketon facility, the company’s investment in next‑generation centrifuge manufacturing, and its role in building a diverse, resilient, American‑led nuclear fuel supply chain. From re‑industrializing America to forging new global partnerships, this conversation offers a rare inside look at one of the most important—and least understood—elements of the modern nuclear ecosystem. Amir Vexler is president and chief executive officer of Centrus Energy Corp. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. Mr. Vexler has extensive experience in the nuclear fuel industry and a strong background in manufacturing, engineering services, commercial operations, and business development. Prior to joining Centrus, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA, overseeing Orano’s U.S. sales of nuclear fuel, decommissioning services, used nuclear fuel management, and medical isotopes as well as engineering and technology services for the federal government. Previously, Mr. Vexler spent 20 years at General Electric Company, where he served in a number of leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Operating Officer of Global Nuclear Fuels (GNF), a joint venture of GE and Hitachi. GNF is a global provider of nuclear fuel and related services. He earned a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dr. Jess Gehin from Idaho National Laboratory explores the transformative moment nuclear energy is experiencing today. From recent executive orders accelerating nuclear initiatives to groundbreaking projects like mobile microreactors, Dr. Gehin explains why advanced reactors are critical for America’s energy future and national security. Discover the historical roots of nuclear innovation, the current surge in deployment efforts, and how these advancements are shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy landscape. Dr. Jess Gehin is Associate Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led national strategies for nuclear energy, directed complex projects, and advanced deployment of innovative reactors. Jess previously served as Chief Scientist for INL and National Technical Director for DOE’s Microreactor Program, spearheading initiatives like Project Pele and MARVEL. Before INL, he held leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directed the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors. A Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, Jess holds degrees in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and MIT and has authored over 120 technical publications.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Dominique Cooper engages with Dr. Todd Allen, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy. They explore the complexities of nuclear deployment, including the need for community trust, regulatory frameworks, and innovative approaches to waste management. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of integrating societal considerations into nuclear technology development and highlights the role of community engagement in fostering acceptance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the innovation pipeline and the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

Dr. Youssef Ballout joins Dominique to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy, emphasizing the need for innovation and addressing public fears surrounding nuclear technology. Dr. Ballout highlights the growing demand for energy, particularly with the rise of AI and data centers, and the military's interest in nuclear power for stability and efficiency. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape with China and the importance of reviving American manufacturing capabilities in the nuclear sector. Dr. Ballout advocates for a practical approach to nuclear reactor design, likening it to a 'Home Depot approach' where existing technologies are utilized effectively.Prior to founding Kadmos Energy Services LLC, Dr. Youssef Ballout was the Director of Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) Reactor Systems Design & Analysis division. He joined INL in December 2018 as the manager of the Fuel Design and Development Department. Prior to INL, he was the President of Elysium Industries Limited, leading the design and development of a molten chloride salt fast reactor. He also spent twenty-six years at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)/Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory working on reactor design, reactor materials, thermal hydraulics, and structural performance. At NNL he managed the Space Structural Materials group with NASA on nuclear propulsion concepts for the Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO) project Prometheus. Over his career he has contributed as an experimentalist and modeler, often both. He has also held engineering and organizational leadership roles. Earlier he taught at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He began his studies in Limoges, France, and earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. engineering degrees from Wichita State University, Kansas.TakeawaysChina is building 34 nuclear reactors; the US is building zero.Nuclear energy is often misunderstood and feared.Historical events like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl impacted nuclear development in the US.Nuclear technology is a clean and renewable energy source.The military's interest in nuclear power is driven by the need for stable energy.Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a focus for future nuclear energy solutions.The Home Depot approach emphasizes using existing technologies for reactor design.China's rapid advancement in nuclear technology poses a challenge to US dominance.The supply chain for nuclear components needs revitalization in the US.Curiosity and innovation are essential for progress in nuclear engineering.

Kevin Kong, founder and CEO of Everstar, discusses the transformative potential of AI in the nuclear industry. He explores how digital twins and advanced simulations can accelerate regulatory processes, making nuclear energy more accessible and efficient. Kevin shares his vision for a future where AI and nuclear power drive innovation, addressing current bottlenecks and paving the way for sustainable energy solutions. Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and energy. Kevin Kong is the CEO and Founder of Everstar, a company using advanced artificial intelligence to accelerate nuclear deployment. Drawing on his background in engineering leadership and AI development, Kevin is focused on transforming how nuclear projects are planned, approved, and built, reducing regulatory timelines from years to months. Before founding Everstar, he served as CTO and Co-Founder of Hyperquery, an AI collaboration platform backed by Khosla Ventures, and as Head of Engineering at Bird, where he led large-scale software and hardware initiatives. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University.

Host, Dominique Cooper, welcomes Braden Stover on this episode. They explore the potential economic impact of Tennessee's leadership in energy innovation, particularly through the deployment of small modular reactors. It highlights the limitless opportunities for job creation and workforce development that could arise from this initiative. Braden Stover, Chief Policy Officer at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD). In his role, he leads policy development, supports Tennessee’s nuclear and advanced-energy investment strategy, and helps position the state as a national leader in next-generation nuclear technologies, supply chain innovation, and workforce development. Braden has been deeply involved in Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and the state’s efforts to build a competitive advanced nuclear ecosystem. He brings insight on how policy, industry, and innovation must converge to meet today’s energy and national-security challenges.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Joe Miller, President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies, about the company's essential role in manufacturing nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as BWXT's development of advanced reactors and the fuels that power them. In a wide-ranging discussion they cover Project Pele, the importance and benefits of TRISO fuel, the challenges of workforce development, space nuclear propulsion, BWXT's focus on innovation, and the role of AI in advancing nuclear technology. Joe shares insights from his journey from the Nuclear Navy to industry, and highlights BWXT's commitment to meeting America's growing demand for nuclear energy.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe discusses the critical role of nuclear power in America's energy landscape with guests Ethel Bunch and Jordan Marsh from the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition. They explore South Carolina's significant contributions to nuclear energy, the current status of the VC Summer nuclear plant, the state's efforts to attract new nuclear businesses, and the strong, bipartisan support nuclear power receives from South Carolina's elected leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of legislative support, the essential need for workforce development, and the competitive landscape among states in advancing nuclear power.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Ed Petit de Mange, Senior Director of Fuel Recycling at Oklo, about the company's plans for recycling used nuclear fuel. They discuss the elements of the recycling process, the different recycling technologies available, and Oklo's recent announcement of America's first-of-its-kind commercial recycling facility, to be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Ed shares valuable insights on the many benefits of recycling, the importance of collaboration with national labs, how recycled fuel will power Oklo's fast spectrum reactors, and the regulatory landscape surrounding fuel recycling. The conversation highlights the role of advanced nuclear technologies in shaping the future of America's energy security.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Stephen Long, CEO of Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), discusses his company's work to bring the next generation of uranium enrichment technology to market. The conversation explores the evolution of enrichment technologies, focusing on the innovative laser-based method that GLE has developed. Steve describes recent advancements in the nuclear fuel supply chain, the significance of GLE's test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina -- where actual enrichment is being conducted at demonstration scale -- and the strategic plans for the company's Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility. He emphasizes the importance of cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and partnerships in the nuclear industry, while also addressing nonproliferation safeguards and the future of nuclear innovation.In his role, Steve is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and project leadership of GLE, including the management of GLE’s day-day operations and delivery of the company’s technology development and commercialization objectives. Steve also serves as the Senior Management Official on the company’s independent Board of Managers.Prior to joining GLE, Steve spent over thirteen years with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) in a variety of global project, commercial, and business leadership roles. Most recently, Steve served as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for GEH, where he was instrumental in advancing GEH and GNF’s interests and securing partnerships in the emerging small modular reactor and advanced nuclear fuel market segments.Steve began his career as a Submarine Warfare Officer and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Engineer in the United States Navy, where he was repeatedly recognized as one of the Navy’s top junior officers over his eight years of service. He holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business.

A nuclear-powered rocket? Is that possible? Dr. Fred Kennedy, CEO of Dark Fission Space Systems and one of America's leading experts on the use of nuclear technology in space, explains how nuclear space propulsion is not only possible but an essential capability for the nation. With a distinguished career in the Air Force, at DARPA, and in the private sector, Dr. Kennedy details the significant operational benefits of nuclear-powered spacecraft, the state of the technology, development and testing strategies, and how such nuclear systems enhance our national security and commercial prospects in space. Dr. Kennedy provides an overview of Dark Fission's vision for bringing nuclear thermal propulsion to market, the type of propulsion technology under development by the company, and how advances in AI, additive manufacturing, and analytical modeling will greatly reduce the time and expense of bringing nuclear propulsion to the final frontier.Dr. Fred Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Dark Fission, a company advancing nuclear propulsion for space. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, he previously led the Department of Defense’s Space Development Agency and DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. Dr. Kennedy has also held senior roles at Momentus and Astra and served as a space policy advisor at the White House. He contributes to Forbes on space and defense issues and serves on multiple aerospace advisory boards.00:00 Introduction to Y-12 and CNS02:45 Y-12's Current Missions and Workforce05:39 Safety Protocols and Improvements08:27 Future Growth and Challenges11:33 Facility Modernization and Workforce Issues14:18 Planning for Future Warheads17:15 Collaboration with Design Labs19:43 Wishes for the Future

Internationally-recognized nuclear fuels expert Elmer Dyke joins UCAN Power's Advanced Nuclear podcast to discuss the state of the fuel industry. Elmer provides an in-depth overview of all segments of the nuclear fuel supply chain -- mining, conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication -- and provides critical insights about recent fuel cycle developments and the challenges faced by the industry. He analyzes the impact of the ban on Russian uranium imports, discusses the new enrichment capacity being brought to the market, and describes the new fuel forms and enrichment levels that will be needed to support the growing set of Generation IV reactor vendors. Without fuel, there is no nuclear industry, and this is an important and impactful discussion about this critical topic.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle01:26 Current State of the Nuclear Fuel Industry04:15 Uranium Mining in the U.S.07:54 The Conversion Process and Its Challenges14:58 Enrichment: The Key to Reactor Fuel17:20 Impact of Russian Supply on the Market27:08 Fuel Fabrication and Its Role in the Cycle29:30 Transitioning to New Fuel Sources34:07 The Future of Enrichment Technologies37:13 Understanding Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) and HALU46:34 Challenges and Opportunities in Advanced Reactor Deployment48:54 The Nuclear Fuel Industry's Capacity for Expansion57:01 The Future Landscape of Nuclear Fuels by 2030