Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

In the Titans of Nuclear Chernobyl podcast series, we'll sit down with experts in the field of nuclear energy to take a dive into the HBO television series "Chernobyl". This is episode zero, featuring Titan Bret Kugelmass. Naomi and Michelle discuss with Bret how the Energy Impact Center and Titans of Nuclear podcast are responding to the recent release of HBO's miniseries "Chernobyl", a discussion on which Titans would be best to sit down with and analyze the show and some surprising behind the scenes thoughts on what Bret, Michelle and Naomi felt after watching "Chernobyl".

In this episode, we discuss... How Seth Moulton's background in physics and the Marines led to a political career Role of science in Congress and decision making Ways Congress encourages innovation to fund technical solutions Effect of automation on the American workforce and why an education revolution is the key to success How the green technology revolution affects energy, climate and national security Role of long term budgeting in energy development and planning for a carbon-free country Making climate change personal in Seth's pursuit of the Presidency

In this episode, we discuss... Bill Foster's background as an entrepreneur and physicist An unintentional discovery Foster made while searching for proton decay Role of the FERMI National Accelerator Lab in the particle physics world How two generations of Fosters used their scientific expertise in public service roles Resources available to Congress for technical evaluation of specialty topics Why economics is the most important factor in decarbonization and fighting climate change Public perception of nuclear technology and how it affects levels of social acceptance Potential for accelerator-driven nuclear energy systems How Bill Foster strategizes energy policy reform as an Illinois Congressman

In this episode, we discuss... How Juan EibenSchutz Hartman's engineering background led to a career in nuclear Why Mexico considered adding nuclear power to its energy mix and how it was achieved Mexico's development of a decision analysis program through the Stanford Research Institute How public perception of nuclear technology became rooted in mistrust and what the nuclear community is doing to change it Why small modular reactors (SMRs) may transform the industry away from a tendency of non-uniformity A comparison of nuclear waste and other industrial waste in terms of perception and regulation Juan EibenSchutz Hartman's responsibilities as Director General of Mexico's National Nuclear Safety and Safeguards Commission

In this episode, we discuss... Bob Ichord's entrance into international energy research How the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) brings rural electrification to Southeast Asia How Chernobyl affected global safety and policy for nuclear reactors The future of US nuclear power export and import markets Nuclear's role in urbanization and growth in developing countries Results of the Atlantic Council Task Force Report on U.S. Nuclear Leadership Importance of innovation and commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs)

In this episode, we discuss... Jeff Navin's high school dream of becoming a politician Changes in the energy policymaking atmosphere during the Obama Administration How politicization of climate change made the carbon emissions problem worse Strategically using advanced reactors to start climate conversations and get policymakers on board How setting a 100% clean energy goal will promote competition in technological advances Challenges faced by advanced reactors in the research and development field Why politicians seek out Jeff Navin and Boundary Stone Partners to help differentiate themselves on climate change

In this episode, we discuss... How Bob Walker's career in the Canadian Department of National Defence led to his role as a nuclear energy leader Role of the National Research Universal Reactor (NRU) in radioactive medical isotope production for the global healthcare market Current status of CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor refurbishment around Canada Why Canada pursued CANDU and pressurized heavy water reactor design Canada's development of an intricate logistics, transportation, and distribution plan for medical isotopes Options for used fuel storage and how the community is involved in the decision Applications of small modular reactors (SMR's) in Canada and across the globe Bob Walker's path to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

In this episode, we discuss... How Margie's upbringing influenced her career How nuclear export licensing works and why it's important to the safe handling and security of nuclear materials Why it was important for Margie to consider transboundary effects of Fukushima when negotiating to affirm the IAEA's post-Fukushima frameworks How the Supreme Court's post-Fukushima ruling against the NRC's Waste Confidence policy caused an abrupt halt in plans for domestic and international nuclear power plant construction How Margie's 3-step risk assessment process helped propel her to the top of the NRC How training staff on new and different technologies, such as SMRs, will help propel NRC regulations forward

In this episode, we discuss... How a high school project on propulsion led to Marc Nichol's career in nuclear energy Responsibilities and considerations for managing spent fuel on-site and off-site A comparison of costs and markets for small modular reactors (SMR's) and micro-reactors How Alaska is preparing for deployment of groundbreaking micro-reactor technology Future capabilities of the nuclear industry to provide energy for electricity, heating, and transportation How Marc Nichol connects with communities, industries, and governments as Director of New Reactor Deployment at the Nuclear Energy Institute

In this episode, we discuss... How Akira Tokuhiro's interest in race car design inspired him to study nuclear engineering Research for the Japanese sodium cooled fast reactor How nuclear energy safety culture and public risk perception compares to other industries Responsibilities of being a director and licensed operator of a university experimental reactor Safety challenges of graphite-moderated nuclear reactors How the nuclear industry united to address the accident at Fukushima Benefits of NuScale Power's small modular reactors (SMR's) Akira's development of a new Bachelor of Technology in Sustainable Energy Systems at Ontario Tech University

In this episode, we discuss... Jackie's collegiate upbringing in North Carolina pursuing International Relations Jackie's transition into nuclear energy studies in graduate school and her Graduate Thesis on "Nuclear Disinheritance" How Jackie gained experience in nuclear at the Stimson Center The development of the Organizational Governance Template for Nuclear Security Jackie's work at Third Way in the Clean Energy Program The newly enacted Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA)

In this episode, we discuss... How Evan Sengbusch's background in physics led him to his current role as President of Phoenix Production of lower energy, higher current deuteron accelerators as neutron sources The roles preserving research reactors and producing a domestic supply of Molybdenum 99 play in the nation's medical industry New capabilities of thermal neutron imaging and fast neutron imaging The development of neutrons as an inspection tool for complex, high density materials and components How Phoenix's partnership with SHINE could change medical radioisotope production in the US

In this episode, we discuss... The role of the Atomic Energy Corporation in South Africa's nuclear development System challenges of dramatically scaling nuclear technology Innovative nuclear solutions to service the vast population differences in South Africa Germany's role in educating and supporting South Africa's pebble-bed nuclear reactor Groundbreaking postgraduate nuclear programs Mulder founded at North-West University X Energy's mission to commercially establish pebble-bed reactor technology and spread it throughout the world Challenges of obtaining clientele and licensing for new nuclear technology Evolution of the pebble-bed nuclear reactor and the energy potential it can bring to the U.S. electrical grid

In this episode, we discuss... How Three Mile Island and the oil embargo influenced Shane to pursue nuclear engineering How Shane helped support university test reactors through his role at the Office of Nuclear Energy How tritium influenced the history behind the Office of New Production Reactors national security program Creating a roadmap for Generation IV reactor development and deployment How contracting to end users can help mobilize new nuclear The driving issues behind construction and deployment of new nuclear technologies How the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program united research and design efforts

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In this episode, we discuss... How nuclear engineering and health physics are connected in education and industry Insight into radiation protection design and emergency planning How Susan Landahl broke down gender barriers in nuclear power plant operation Models, such as the linear no-threshold theory, which are used to analyze radiation dosage and related health effects The role of virtual reality in nuclear power plant training and operation Improving all aspects of the nuclear industry through a culture of innovation Nuclear power's place in the U.S. electrical grid

In this episode, we discuss... Kathleen Barron's background in nuclear and how she came to be Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Exelon How the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) restructured the electricity industry to become more competitive Assessing legal sustainability of changes to energy infrastructure How FERC manages concerns related to market rates and environmental impacts Regional impacts on the electrical grid energy balance and how clean energy is integrated Decarbonization implications of producing the energy source versus energy extraction Legal challenges of saving existing nuclear reactors from decommissioning State influence on nuclear energy generation and financial implications of their decisions

In this episode, we discuss... Fewell's law background that led him towards the energy industry Fewell's first position with the NRC, and the responsibilities, experiences and relationships he accumulated while there Fewell's transition into the private sector working for Exelon Generation Fewell's cases with Exelon revolving around Security, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Generation Nation – Exelon's local nuclear advocacy program for its employees and their communities Fewell's marketing strategy to combat irrational stigma on nuclear energy

In this episode, we discuss... Mara Levy's personal journey through the nuclear industry and her day-to-day at Exelon The impact of hands-on education for nuclear engineering students What the new fuel receipt process looks like in preparation for a nuclear refueling outage Roles and responsibilities of an on-site reactor engineer Why power descents at nuclear plants are needed and how they are coordinated Stakeholders involved in power maneuver planning Outreach efforts of North American Young Generation in Nuclear Public education efforts of Generation Nation

In this episode, we discuss... How Michael Gallagher entered the power generation industry The different management roles at a nuclear power plant The differences between boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors Methods for controlling radiation and shaping power in a boiling water reactor The effects of fuel design and core efficiency on nuclear fuel consumption Requirements for a nuclear power plant renewal license application Federal limitations on the life cycle of a nuclear power plant Global impacts of affordable and reliable energy sources

In this episode we discuss... Marilyn Kray's personal journey through the nuclear industry How different engineering disciplines collaborate to make a nuclear plant operate The role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the design and construction of nuclear power plants How the culture between utilities and regulators in the nuclear industry has evolved over time What it takes to prepare and execute a nuclear plant refueling outage plan Licensing options for existing and newly designed nuclear plants during design, construction, and operation How traditional utilities and investors are getting involved with new nuclear technology Education efforts supported and funded by the American Nuclear Society

In this episode we discuss... An overview of Exelon Generation's developmental history and successful expansion across the US A glimpse into Hanson's upbringing throughout his childhood and academic pursuits in nuclear engineering in Madison, Wisconsin Hanson's experiences in his first position as a nuclear engineer with the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, and his professional climb towards his current position as Chief Nuclear Officer Hanson's optimism for educating public opinion on the science of nuclear engineering and it's minimal effects on the environment The development of worldwide standards of excellence in nuclear engineering thanks to the US Nuclear Fleet, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators, and the World Association of Nuclear Operators Hanson's leadership strategy as Chief Nuclear Officer at Exelon Generation, as well as new initiatives for the future of nuclear engineering

In this episode we discuss... Why nuclear power was important to building South Korea's economy How standardizing nuclear reactor development led to the success of the OPR and APR-1400 reactors Why South Korea's partnership with ABB-Combustion Engineering has been so successful How South Korea is helping the United Arab Emirates develop their own nuclear power plan Why uniting utilities under one umbrella might be the best way to cut costs in the nuclear power industry How South Korea is helping Kenya develop into a medium-level industrialized nation by 2030

In this episode we discuss... Gerry's research and involvement in tissue banking and molecular pathology during the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster The studies and effects of thyroid cancer based on age, environment, and adequate research & evidence Being a pro-nuclear scientist in the scientific community The common misconceptions about nuclear energy and it's risk factors Gerry's involvement in the Chernobyl Tissue Bank and how that research paved the way for the work of the Imperial Tissue Bank today How the Imperial Tissue Bank's epidemiology studies can be used to effectively change policy on nuclear energy

In this episode we discuss... Michael Reichenberger's entrance into the nuclear industry as a mechanical engineer How fission detectors measure neutrons in nuclear reactors The design, development, and deployment of Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors in a test reactor Advantages of the Advanced Test Reactor for nuclear fuels and materials testing Benefits of real-time sensors in test reactors and how they impact development of commercial reactors The potential value of real-time sensors in the operation of advanced reactor designs

In this episode we discuss... Neal's role at the Nuclear Energy Institute and what nuclear energy has to offer to society The importance of having advocates for nuclear energy that communicate the benefits of nuclear energy How to overcome the general public's concerns about nuclear power through education New technologies being used in old power plants to improve efficiency, production, and safety The economics of exporting nuclear power and why the United States wants to lead this movement The importance of established nuclear energy as a base load power source to support renewable energy How early education about nuclear power can influence public perception about the industry and its technology A call to action for cooperation between generations to work towards a future without global warming through the use of nuclear technologies

In this episode we discuss... Technical challenges of scaling up high temperature nuclear power plant designs The relationship between nuclear power generation efficiency and reaction temperature The effects of oxidation and carbonization on turbine blades in different nuclear reactors How nuclear reactor designs plan for long-term material degradation in critical components Modern methods of analyzing effects of radiation on metal alloys How the impacts of neutrons on metal lattice structures drive material design Performance criteria for critical components of nuclear plant materials How today's nuclear industry is reinvesting in nuclear-related education and research

In this episode we discuss... Why water is the best coolant in any reactor Why molten salt reactors (MSRs) are a safeguard's nightmare How molten salt reactors differ from lightwater reactors Why the Experimental Breeder Reactor II would be the best fuel reprocessing solution How nuclear energy can stop climate change in its tracks Why the mass production of nuclear reactors is the only way to solve China's energy demands

In this episode we discuss: What a nuclear fuel cycle is and how it is analyzed How a surplus of enriched uranium impacts nuclear fuel prices The connection between high enrichment nuclear fuel and inherent safety features How negative temperature coefficients affect nuclear heat transfer Computational tools for analyzing the nuclear fuel life cycle and transfer methods Costs and benefits of nuclear waste reprocessing and how nations manage it Long term safety considerations for nuclear waste disposal of different isotopes Competitive advantages of nuclear energy and its impact on computational science

In this episode we discuss... Utility-owned design and construction of nuclear reactors The impact of constructability in innovative nuclear reactor designs Challenges of the V.C. Summer nuclear project How to turn nuclear design mistakes into lessons learned for the future Financial challenges of new nuclear technology development, like mPower How generalizing small modular reactor designs affect cost and schedule Differences between nuclear industry visions and realistic expectations for production Opportunity cost benefits of nuclear energy that provide an all-around energy solution

In this episode we discuss... How Paula Maguire worked her way up to become a training manager for Ontario Power Generation The purpose and structure of a utility training organization How collaboration between utility stations can impact a plant's operations and the nuclear industry as a whole How to inspire your utility workforce and maximize their value at the station The importance of leadership in a highly technical field such as nuclear energy The purpose of operational safety analyses and how they differ across the globe The impact of transparency and open communication in the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... How Sean Donnelly was inspired by the dynamic and unique challenges of the nuclear industry How AR can help improve human efficiency in nuclear The important role Kinectrics has played in helping to develop nuclear technology How the U-Battery is revolutionizing the future of nuclear reactors Why triso fuels are the best choice for the U-Battery Kinectrics' hopes to deploy the U-Battery in Canada and the U.K. simultaneously Why placing U-Batteries at Chalk River and Urenco would be the best models for what this technology can do for costs and power generation Nuclear's pivotal role in the future of clean energy

In this episode we discuss... How Doug Jensen's concern for the environment led to his work in nuclear energy Why Doug Jensen believes that nuclear power is the answer to our climate change problems How Cameco has become so specialized at producing zirconium tubing for nuclear fuel Why Improving fuel manufacturing efficiency leads to great benefits for nuclear power plants Why long-term guarantee contracts are so important for making capital improvements to the manufacturing process How Cameco has fostered crucial customer relationships in the nuclear industry Cameco's role in the future of SMRs -Why SMRs make the most sense to replace fossil fuels with clean energy

In this episode we discuss... Howard Shearer's background in the nuclear industry before becoming Hitachi Canada's CEO Providing technical solutions to clients with multi-sector collaboration The Future implementation of nuclear technology across sectors Corporate responsibility and the social impacts of nuclear energy deployment How large multinational corporations can support technology development and implementation Data security in the energy generation industry Importance of continuing education in the energy industry

In this episode we discuss... Matthew Mairinger's passion for nuclear engineering and the nuclear industry A deep dive into the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) How industry youth groups are influencing the future of nuclear energy Tools developed to educate and prepare the next generation of nuclear engineers The importance of bridging the gap between clean energy industries The power of everyday conversation in restoring the public's confidence in nuclear energy How small modular reactors (SMR's) could change the future of energy in rural Canada

In this episode we discuss... How Colleen DeMerchant got involved in nuclear insurance Why Fukushima has made nuclear site safety even stronger How nuclear insurance pools work and why they foster important collaboration between insurers How SMRs will diversify nuclear liability coverage in the future Why extending nuclear liability time may raise questions and concerns in the insurance industry How insurers are meeting higher liability amounts for the nuclear industry across the world

In this episode, we discuss... John Barrett's push for Canada to become a leader of clean global nuclear energy How John helps develop verification processes for nuclear disarmament and arms control How John's work in NATO and the Canadian Defense Department has helped safeguard nuclear energy How John uses the skills he gained as a speechwriter to help make nuclear policies more accessible to the public John's work as the Canadian Ambassador to Vienna How just 4 or 5 CANDU nuclear reactors in Alberta would virtually eliminate their provincial carbon footprint How CANDU nuclear reactors are garnering a new kind of relationship with traditionally difficult governments How Canada has helped reduce the use of carbon fuels with their CANDU reactors on a global scale

In this episode we discuss... Zhong He's path to physics and the study of radiation detectors How different materials interact with gamma rays in semiconductor detectors Using electrons and electron whole pairs to determine gamma ray energy The impact of charge trapping in semiconductor detectors Practical application of high precision gamma rays Benefits of radiation imaging compared to radiation sensing Calculating the location of gamma ray sources through the use of radiation detectors How to support the next generation of physics education

In this episode we discuss... How Sara Pozzi helped design international nuclear disarmament verification technologies at Oak Ridge The difference between active and passive interrogation in detecting nuclear materials Challenges of detecting nuclear materials smuggled in on container ships What the IAEA is doing to help promote non-proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world Why spent nuclear fuel is still a proliferation threat to the world How the Department of Energy's Consortium initiatives are training nuclear engineers for the workforce Why Sara believes we need to be focusing on detecting and characterizing special nuclear materials to keep us safe

In this episode we discuss... Alec Thomas' path to plasma physics at the University of Michigan Challenges of modeling an atom How laser plasma accelerators create energy The interactions between charged particles and plasma wave oscillations Benefits of plasma accelerators compared to high energy physics accelerators The use of titanium-doped sapphire crystals in lasers Plasma technology for medical applications Economic advantages of laser plasma accelerators

In this episode we discuss... James Duderstadt's beginnings in science and academia and his journey through the nuclear industry James' work on Project Rover, an American project to develop a nuclear thermal rocket Why James believes nuclear energy is a viable answer to reversing climate change How the University of Michigan played a crucial role in the creation of the Internet and pioneered the Hathi Trust digital library project How regulated markets have driven up the price of building nuclear plants in the United States Why big companies aren't investing in higher education anymore The incredible benefits Artificial Intelligence could mean for nuclear and the obstacles James believes AI must first overcome

In this episode, we discuss... How Steven Freel began work in the nuclear industry building nuclear control room simulators Steven's path through the nuclear industry, including his time at startup companies like Singer Link (now GSE Systems) How Steven's unconventional approach to leadership helped spotlight him for CEO of Studsvik Scandpower Ways in which Studsvik Scandpower is changing how fuel is chosen and managed at power plants The divisions of Studsvik and ways in which the company's new software technologies are making power plants more efficient Steven's vision for the future of nuclear and what it will take to change public perception

In this episode we discuss... Joshua Goldstein's background as an environmentalist and politician Sweden's successful build-up of nuclear power and lessons learned from Germany's build-up of renewable power How to normalize nuclear energy by educating the public on its risks and benefits Future global energy demand and the necessity of nuclear energy Promotion of global decarbonization with a nuclear power backbone Impacts of marketing in developing public perceptions of different energy sources Creating a smarter economy to solve climate change Goals of the Nuclear Energy Modernization Act for future reactor licensing

In this episode we discuss... The renewed enthusiasm by vendors and contractors for nuclear power in the Americas Why public perception needs to improve to make nuclear power a viable option in some areas Advancements in structural analysis techniques allow for more robust plant designs How younger engineers and Puerto Ricans are impacting the nuclear industry in a positive way Why United States nuclear industry leaders are relied upon to advance nuclear interests worldwide How SMRs offer opportunities to advance nuclear power generation in the U.S. and worldwide How SMR design allows for core cooling without reliance on external power sources Ways in which Puerto Rico could implement SMRs to meet their energy needs

In this episode we discuss... Rex's academic background & background at NASA Rex's focus at Teledyne Technologies How Rex transitioned to nuclear BWXT's role supporting US Navy Market innovation at BWXT Technology innovation at BWXT Other clients of BWXT Future of nuclear energy in U.S.

In this episode we discuss... Susan Eisenhower on growing up as the granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower The origins of her fascination with US-Soviet relations How her career began in corporate strategic marketing and took her to arms control and nuclear energy The Megatons to Megawatts Program The benefits of a cross-disciplinary approach to problem-solving How nuclear energy makes the world not just cleaner, but safer Why policymakers need a better strategy for international relations, for nuclear energy, and for climate change What it will take to make headway on climate change

In this episode we discuss... Philip Sharp's entrance into politics and energy policy Significant changes in the energy industry in the 1970s and 80s Environmental regulation vs. economic regulation Sharp's accomplishments in Congress The role of educational institutions such as Harvard in energy The overall role of RFF Sharp's research with RFF The future of energy policy in the US and the world

In this episode we discuss... Lessons learned from the Three-Mile Island accident The importance of information sharing among the nuclear industry to increase safety Refocusing of priorities regarding the NRC's regulatory responsibilities Post 9/11 refocusing on safety and robust engineering Implementing lessons learned from the Fukushima accident Functions of the NRC and reactions to recent events Collaboration among countries and joint research projects are beneficial to the nuclear industry Prospects for the future of the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Mark Lewis' career trajectory in finance and energy as Head of Global Business Development at General Electric and Chief Business Officer at Tri Alpha Energy Mark Lewis' work acquiring Amersham, Silex, and Hitachi Nuclear Energy for General Electric How Tri Alpha Energy radiation-free fuel path uses hydrogen and boron for nuclear fusion Nuclear fusion efforts to provide a large firm load of carbon-free and radiation-free energy Driven by natural disasters, the focus on micro grids and the need for grid resiliency and lower carbon energy Tri Alpha Energy's use of plasma physics and accelerator physics to stabilize plasma in nuclear fusion How terrestrial fusion and plasma physics can be used to provide carbon-free energy How to finance a lower carbon economy with wind, solar, and nuclear power