Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

In this episode we discuss... Bob's background in fusion and personal journey in the nuclear industry Bob's day-to-day as Chief Executive Officer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems Bob's graduate work at MIT researching new technologies to solve fundamental challenges with fusion Superconductors, their applications, and how Bob has significantly contributed to their productization The mechanisms that enable superconductors to operate at very high temperatures Why only 3 of over 100,000 superconductors have been commercialized How collaboration between academics and industrialists is helping to drive fusion technology into the marketplace Bob's mission to expedite superconductivity commercialization so that it can be deployed globally

In this episode we discuss... Dennis' background and personal journey in the nuclear industry A deep dive into tokamaks and their innerworkings The definition of a plasma Why heat and density are crucial to successful fusion and the material challenges involved How tritium is extracted from lithium Requirements to prevent coolant itself from becoming radioactive Design challenges surrounding fusion systems including pumps and their inability to distinguish between helium and unburned fuel The physics of magnetism Dennis' mission to change the global nuclear industry through his work at MIT to make fusion economically viable

In this episode we discuss... Jacopo's background in techno-economic analysis and personal journey in the nuclear industry Jacopo's work at the Idaho National Laboratory before he returned to his alma mater MIT as a professor of nuclear science and engineering Lead-bismuth reactors and the processes within Jacopo's contributions to MIT Energy Initiative's recent report, "The Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World" Why Jacopo believes when it comes to reducing cost we should focus on improving construction methods rather than changing coolant or fuel A breakdown of the costs involved in building a new plant Inaccuracies in cost prediction surrounding AP-1000 and EPR and ways in which we can improve cost prediction The benefits of assembling several microreactors to take advantage of economies of multiple versus economics of scale of size Shipyard building and how Jacopo's research at MIT works to reduce construction costs

In this episode we discuss... Mark's background in biology and personal journey in the nuclear industry A behind the scenes look at the Canada Nuclear Laboratory team and how each department coordinates with the others The lifecycle of nuclear plants and Mark's evolution from repairing to decommissioning plants The decommissioning of Rocky Flats Plant, a nuclear weapons production facility that now serves as a model for other decommissioning projects The cleanup processes involved in decommissioning Mark's work with British Nuclear Fuels Limited and then later as Chief Nuclear Officer for Magnox South Chalk River Laboratories and its important place in nuclear history Challenges with media and public perception surrounding nuclear energy and weapons A deep dive into CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactors The benefits of SMRs and Canada Nuclear Lab's mission to facilitate global implementation

In this episode we discuss... Rosaura's interest in nuclear from a young age and her journey through the industry Rosaura's PhD in material science at McMaster University where she focused on ceramics processing A deep dive into the importance of ceramics processing in regards to creating nuclear fuel Magnetic shape memory alloys Challenges associated with fuel processing and manufacturing and how Canada Nuclear Labs is working to overcome them What drives requirements for creating new fuel from spent fuel and the economics involved Canada Nuclear Lab's research regarding new fuels and their increased safety The ratio of plutonium-239 and plutonium-240 and how it changes over fuel's lifespan within a reactor The importance of waste management technology to nuclear success

In this episode we discuss... Metin's background in mechanical engineering and personal journey in the nuclear industry A deep dive into CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactors The inner mechanisms that cause steam reactor tubes to fail and how we've overcome this issue Metin's work in thermal performance and degradation studies The neutronics and safety systems in PWRs and BDWs versus those in light water reactors A breakdown of supercritical water How technologies and designs within supercritical coal plants could potentially be recycled to create supercritical nuclear plants Lessons learned from light and heavy water reactors and how Canada Nuclear Labs is applying those lessons to new technologies The Pan-Canadian SMR Initiative and its mission to facilitate global implementation

In this episode we discuss... Corey's background in nuclear engineering and personal journey from Los Alamos to Canada Nuclear Labs The history of US nuclear including the Nuclear Renaissance and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Corey's contributions to nuclear startup NuScale Power Challenges in nuclear across India and Asia including infrastructure, training, and corruption Corey's work for an electrical supplier of cabling and the safety systems involved International issues with CFSI (Counterfeit Fraudulent Suspect Items) and their toll on public trust Canada Nuclear Lab's world class hot cells The future of Canada Nuclear Lab and its work surrounding light water reactors and sustainability A deep dive into fuel qualification Canada's new build market and the significant role it plays in the global industry

In this episode we discuss... Kathryn's background in nuclear engineering and personal journey in the nuclear industry The evolution of fusion and a deep dive into liquid metal magnetohydrodynamics Kathryn's work with liquid metal magnetohydrodynamics in the Soviet Union A deep dive into volatilization The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative aka The Fuel Cycle R&D Program and Kathryn's work optimizing the backend of the fuel cycle Low level waste repositories and the political challenges surrounding new repository sites Canada Nuclear Lab's mission to promote SMR's (small modular reactors) How a healthy dynamic between national laboratories and the industry can spur implementation Canada Nuclear Lab's work in the hydrogen space Canada versus US regulation timelines and alternative paths to expedite licensing Canada Nuclear Lab's research surrounding radiation and targeted alpha therapy and their potential impact on the industry at large

In this episode we discuss... Janice Dunn Lee's 40-year journey through nuclear from her position in Export Licensing at the NRC to that of Deputy Director General at the IAEA Janice's early career in Export Licensing at the NRC including her work preventing the weaponization of nuclear materials and reactors through IAEA safeguards The relationship between Congress and the NRC and the ways in which Congress oversees build and appropriations Intricacies of international nuclear agreements including 123 agreements for nuclear cooperation between the US, Japan, and China The importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements in helping countries learn the regulations, inspection processes, and licensing in other countries The decline of U.S. leadership in the nuclear field against Russia and China and the negative effects this could pose for the industry's future Humanitarian aspects of nuclear and the IAEA's work in human health including cancer therapy and ebola prevention How credible, relevant nuclear advocates can help reignite the US nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Ed's background in the US Navy and his personal journey in the nuclear industry Ed's work designing nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, and space crafts for the Navy General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls and their respective roles in nuclear construction Uranium hexafluoride gas reactors and the processes within Nuclear opponents and their negative effects on the construction and licensing processes How the US nuclear industry is working to overcome supply chain challenges including replacing medium enriched uranium with plutonium Table salt's important role in recycling spent fuels The economics of fuel storage A deep dive into fuel and reactor lifetimes The plant Ed envisions including its total power output and the regulatory and financial hurdles involved

In this episode we discuss... Jarret's background in journalism and his personal path in the nuclear industry How writing about nuclear has evolved over the last few decades Key policy measures that helped to define the nuclear industry Different nuclear content audiences and stakeholders and their unique communication needs Challenges of writing about nuclear at a private entity Importance of portfolio strategies and diversification of energy sources Challenges of non-standard measurements when writing about fuel cycles Driving new communication strategies within the nuclear industry A deep dive into media tactics in nuclear industry communications Balancing decreasing trends in energy consumption with drive for industry growth IAEA and international nuclear audience communication needs

In this episode we discuss... Seth Grae's background in law and personal journey in the nuclear industry The origin of LightBridge and its consultative history Proliferation risk in traditional light water reactors Safeguarding against weaponization of nuclear fuel byproducts Fukushima and its impact on the nuclear industry Challenges that are driving the future focus of LightBridge A deep dive into the design process at LightBridge LightBridge's joint venture with Framatome Next steps for commercialization of LightBridge's new fuel technology The importance of new fuel sources for the future

In this episode we discuss... Thomas' personal journey from his position as United States House Committee on Banking and Currency to Ambassador of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Thomas' role in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons The history of Thomas' company Thorium Power (now Lightbridge) and the work he did with Russian nuclear scientists to improve the fuel cycle How nuclear energy actually played a vital role in halting the spread of nuclear weaponry Thomas' work advocating nuclear and his book Seeing the Light The minimal human health hazards of nuclear compared to those of other energy sources - especially coal Nuclear's many environmental benefits including the prevention of climate change

In this episode we discuss... David's work as Director for the U.S. Department of Energy innovation hub, Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors Core design and refiguration of fuel between cycles Influence of temperature on water density and its effect on the reactor Inherent safety of light water reactors PWR and BWR reactors Independent analysis of reactor core design and fuel optimization Global trends and interactions in the nuclear field Focus of CASTLE, energy innovation hub at NC State CRUD-induced power shift and CRUD-induced localized corrosion Pellet clad interaction Thermohydraulics, dry spots, and departure of nucleate boiling The Future of CASTLE and its contributions to the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Lou's background in fusion and personal journey in the nuclear space Lou's work as the national technical director for molten salt reactors Stellarator versus tokamak plasmas The important roles of neutral beams and pellets Challenges in nuclear fission Uses of hydro reactors in scientific testing A deep dive into Project Prometheus and space power initiatives The resurgence of interest in molten salt reactors The Advanced Reactor Technology program within the U.S. Department of Energy Common challenges among developers and ways in which we can overcome them Interactions of fission products with salt Designing for contingency versus replacement

In this episode we discuss... Kurt's background in microelectronics and early interest in nuclear energy Kurt's work as a nuclear fuel materials expert at Oak Ridge The importance of modeling in establishing predictive practices The value and role of national labs in driving big innovation within the industry The Transformational Challenge Reactor Program Stagnancy within the nuclear industry and ways in which we can overcome it Whether or not advanced manufacturing will have a true impact on nuclear economics SMRs and how they can benefit nuclear economics Challenges of proving safety within the NRC regulations and guidelines Pushing the boundaries of new materials within the nuclear industry

In this episode we discuss... Phil's background in nuclear engineering and personal journey in the nuclear field A deep dive into spallation and how it occurs The Spallation Neutron Source The process of conceptualization to commissioning for SPN The evolution of the fusion industry over the last 40 years Requirements and inherent challenges in achieving fusion Different types of pellets and their uses Strategies for mitigating damage to the wall of the fusion reactor vessel The ITER Home Fusion Experiment Challenges in developing fusion across both national science approaches and private fusion companies

In this episode we discuss... Alan's background in the Navy and personal journey in the nuclear space The role and history of ORNL in the Manhattan Project and across the broader nuclear field Information that can be shared from Navy nuclear experiences to the private sector Characteristics of plutonium 238 and reasons for use The evolution of radioactive waste disposal Alan's work as Associate Laboratory Director at ORNL Creating and implementing a long-term strategic plan for ORNL Development of radio isotopes in other industries, like actinium 225 for targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment Development and production of californium 222 A deep dive into the Transformational Challenge Reactor Project Learnings and innovation from accelerated deployment and advanced manufacturing techniques

In this episode we discuss... Larry's background in the Navy and personal journey in the nuclear space Differences between reactors on Navy submarines versus private sector Thermal fatigue monitoring program use in determining maximum cycles Different roles and responsibilities across plant operations The role of quality assurance within a nuclear plant and the responsibilities entailed Differences in QA between nuclear and other energy fields Safety features implemented at Calvert Cliffs Emergency preparedness levels, procedures, and simulations Environmental stewardship and the benefits of nuclear to climate A deep dive into inspections and licensing for nuclear plants

In this episode we discuss... Divittore's background growing up near and working at Three Mile Island Dean's work as Radiation Protection Manager at Exelon Radiation exposure levels of nuclear power plant workers ALARA versus linear thresholds for radiation exposure What is a Geiger counter and how is radiation measured? Areas of a power plant that have radioactive activity What are the sources of radiation shielding and how do they work? A deep dive into fuel defects Hot spots and how they form in a controlled environment Flushing and hydrolazing Use of robotics, cameras, drones, and VR in identifying leaks The planned shutdown of Three Mile Island in 2019

In this episode we discuss... Trace's background in nuclear engineering at Penn State and his personal journey in the nuclear field Trace's work and responsibilities as a reactor engineer at Calvert Cliffs Exelon's mentorship and training program The processes behind planning and simulating for power maneuvers Spin fuel storage and the processes for managing it A deep dive into start-up testing and its purposes Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR) Maintaining cooling during fuel changes The Special Nuclear Material Custodian role Improving disposal of nuclear waste materials

In this episode we discuss... Nicholas' background in computer science and his introduction to nuclear through the Navy Nicholas' work as a reactor engineer at Calvert Cliffs An electrician's responsibilities on a Navy submarine Variables and strategies for planning where fuel is deployed and how often The Exelon-Constellation merger Power maneuvers and what prompts them A deep dive into peaking factors Additions and dilutions of boron for ongoing reactor maintenance The role and focus of PWR Nuclear advocacy in the community and improving public awareness and perception

In this episode we discuss... Dougherty's background and what led him to the nuclear field A deep dive into the process of taking a submarine reactor critical for the first time Primary, secondary, and electrical subsystems Reactor coolant systems and the role of the relief valve Part 21 process to alert others of a defect or issue with a particular part in a production batch Environmental harmony of nuclear compared to fossil fuel production System future-proofing and general practices of preventive maintenance during outages Shift handoffs and operational flow of activity at a nuclear site How operational rigor of nuclear industry is being used to set best practices in other industries The importance of cross-functional input in making operational decision

In this episode we discuss... Mark's background and family history in the nuclear field Mark's work as Site Vice President at Calvert Cliffs The origin and evolution of PRA (Probabilistic Risk Assessment) Differences between two-loop combustion reactors and two-loop Westinghouse reactors Commonalities in auxiliary systems between pressurized water and boiling water reactors Common challenges that occur in everyday plant operations Advantages and considerations around building power plants near natural water sources Fostering a culture of open dialogue and inclusion within the plant Strategies for lengthening time between outages and shortening overall outage time Regulation and deregulation within the nuclear industry Improving cost efficiency of nuclear power

In this episode we discuss... Bret's background in robotics and his first company Airphrame, an unmanned aerial imaging service Bret's interest in climate and energy and how he came to enter the nuclear industry Stewart Brand's Whole Earth Discipline Dwight Eisenhower's important role in setting the tone for nuclear energy Titans of Nuclear and Bret's mission to positively shape public perception surrounding nuclear technology A behind the scenes look at Titans of Nuclear and the experts Bret interviews How nuclear politics, economics, and perspectives vary around the world The International Atomic Energy Agency and its role in guiding prospective nuclear countries Nuclear's incredible energy density and lack of emissions compared to other energy sources Ways we can make nuclear more accessible and how Bret works to do that with Titans of Nuclear The benefits of healthy competition in the nuclear world The future of Titans of Nuclear and how Bret aims to help the nuclear industry through the podcast and other entrepreneurial avenues

In this episode we discuss... Gary's background in mechanical engineering and personal journey through the nuclear field Gary's work as president and CEO at Areva and his leadership approach and vision for Framatome Framatome's legacy of innovation and its commitment to future technology Framatome's partnership with LightBridge Challenges and opportunities within digital INC innovation Economics of maintaining and extending life of existing nuclear plants Innovation in fuel technology, maintenance tools, and new reactor technology Educating policymakers on advantages of nuclear China's trajectory in the nuclear space The global importance of nuclear energy and Framatome's role in securing future nuclear success

In this episode we discuss... Curtis' education at VMI and personal journey through the nuclear industry What is a steam cut? Challenges of repairs in boronated water and other environments unique to nuclear plant machinery Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Ultrasonic Inspection (UT), and process for repair and replacement of nuclear components Periodic scheduling of inspections for maintenance Moving from need-based to predictive maintenance Peening and other techniques for stress relief Economic challenges of building new plants Upgrades and improvements provided during component replacement Extending coping time for the next generation of innovation

In this episode we discuss... Craig's background in robotics and shock peening Cycle of production, refueling, and mechanical maintenance at nuclear plants Use of inspection probes and robotics in steam generator maintenance Trends in maintenance innovation over last few decades Causes of component degradation and solutions to limit/reduce Division of responsibilities and unique challenges in managing outages/refueling cycles Remaining challenges in plant maintenance to be addressed with new technology Innovation in plant maintenance dissemination throughout the industry Technologies on the horizon like high-pressure cavitation peening Dealing with inspection, regeneration, and replacement of aging plant materials

In this episode we discuss... Bob's personal journey in the nuclear industry Bob's work in Nuclear Fuel Commercial Operations at Framatome Different types of nuclear fuel design Switching out fuel type as a means of reducing enrichment Ways in which fuel is designed for the commercial sector Processes and procedures within a full-scale fuel fabrication facility Who are the commercial sector buyers of nuclear fuel? What types of new fuels are currently being developed and what needs prompted their conception? What do typical nuclear fuel contracts look like and how do they differ from other industries? Influence of cladding and temperature on the MHz limit A deep dive into the process behind getting new fuel approved

In this episode we discuss... Kam's background in engineering and his personal journey in the nuclear industry A behind the scenes look at how Kam started X-Energy Kam's work at X-Energy developing Generation IV high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor and fuel designs Nuclear challenges and how Kam works to overcome them with methods including fixed cost and fixed timeline Flaws with the application system and its steep cost for nuclear companies Kam's vision for the nuclear deployment schedule The environmental and human benefits of nuclear energy including supplying clean water through desalination and other treatment

In this episode we discuss... Ron's background growing up in Israel and entering the nuclear field via the study of medicine Ron's work as Director of Business Development at General Atomic IAEA demonstration of desalination process at Kazakhstan plant Different techniques for desalination Armenian nuclear history and safety concerns Role of technical advisors and detailees across National Security Council and U.S. government committees. Nuclear waste management and disposal VSMRs / Micro Reactors and other niche nuclear products and solutions Impact of silicone carbide for cladding A deep dive into the EMC2 project Innovation projects within General Atomics General Atomic's contributions as a government defense contractor

In this episode we discuss... Joyce's unique journey from study of poetry to international relations to the nuclear field Joyce's international experiences in the Peace Corps in Turkmenistan and later experiences in Kazakhstan in post Cold War era The history of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency The shutdown of the BN-350 fast breeder reactor in Kazakhstan Joyce's involvement in the 123 Agreements under the Bush administration Joyce's work as a detailee to the National Security Advisor A deep dive into the IAEA's Additional Protocol Agreement The international impact of Fukushima Joyce's experience serving as the first Director of Nuclear Energy Policy within the Office of International Economics Joyce's appointment as Chairman on the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board A look at the future of nuclear and the importance of improving public awareness

In this episode we discuss... Umair's background in journalism and biochemistry and his personal journey in the nuclear space How Umair came to work for Vox and the reporting he does there on topics including climate and energy A deep dive into Vox and its mission to provide explanatory journalism The politics of nuclear energy Nuclear experts Umair interviews and how he navigates their bias and vested interests Improving climate change's presence in the media and thus public perception Umair's mission to broaden the general public's knowledge on nuclear and its opportunities

In this episode we discuss... Paul's background in human rights and environmental activism and his personal journey in the nuclear industry The Peaceful Atoms and how it sparked Paul's concerns surrounding nuclear technology The advent of renewables including wind and solar and how the sector has evolved Paul's worries regarding the connection between uranium enrichment and weapons The practicality of molten salt reactors Flaws Paul sees in nuclear's waste management cycle The dangers of spent fuel on human health including the carcinogenic effects of radiation Three Mile Island and the conflicting studies surrounding its consequences on human health Bret and Paul discuss whether or not nuclear poses the fewest risks to the environment and human health compared to other energy sources

In this episode we discuss... Bob's background in mechanical engineering and his personal journey in the nuclear industry The history of MPR and Bob's role as Principal Officer MPR's work with power plants across the US and its critical role in US nuclear Solutions for intergranular stress corrosion cracking in boiling water reactors How Bob copes with the stress that comes with working in nuclear The American Nuclear Society and Bob's mission to increase its ranks as well as interest in younger generations Why Bob believes nuclear is the most sustainable energy source and what it's going to take to make it cost efficient and deployable across the world

In this episode we discuss... Jeff's background in environmental law and his personal journey in the nuclear industry Challenges Jeff worked to overcome at the NRC including the issue of nuclear safety culture Jeff's work in business development for the Shaw Group Advanced reactor technology including the molten salt reactor Jeff's work as an outside advisor to several groups including X-Energy which developed the Pebble-Bed High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor The benefits of competition within the global nuclear industry Why it's crucial that the nuclear industry improve its communications strategies and thus public perception of the industry

In this episode we discuss... Margaret's background in nuclear engineering and her personal journey in the nuclear industry Margaret's work with boiling water reactors at GE The processes within phase changes in nuclear reactors The physics of bubbles in boiling water reactors and how it allows greater fuel production, lower enrichment, and reduced cost Tritium and the fears associated with it International considerations surrounding fuel and a history of the global nuclear sector How nuclear designs vary across the world - especially in the US, Europe, and Korea The benefits of government involvement in nuclear US regulations including the IAEA's three phases necessary to build a nuclear power plant The pitfalls of natural gas and other renewables and how they impede the nuclear industry Nuclear's environmental benefits surrounding climate change and why it's important that the US work to set a precedent for the entire world

In this episode we discuss... Andrew's personal journey in the nuclear industry Andrew's book After Fukushima How nuclear's adaptation or lack thereof has shaped our physical, social, and environmental history How Chernobyl and Fukushima shifted nuclear public relations How different countries view purchasing reactors versus homebuilt reactors Why nuclear is ultimately safer than every other energy source particularly coal The economics of nuclear waste and repositories including Yucca Mountain The Linear No-Threshold Theory of Radiation Why Andrew supports 1990s reactor designs over new designs

In this episode we discuss... Milton's background in nuclear engineering and his personal journey in the industry Improving nuclear's ability to stay on time and on budget Milton's work understanding and minimizing operation risks The history of Canada's nuclear industry Milton's work as an independent consultant assisting with refurbishment projects in Canada including the Bruce Power refurbishment implementation agreement Challenges with refurbishment processes and how Milton helped to overcome them The World Nuclear University Milton's role in the Canadian small modular reactor sector Natural Resources Canada's initiative to create an SMR roadmap

In this episode we discuss... Anurag's background in mechanical engineering and his personal journey in the nuclear industry The many changing processes that go into building a nuclear plant The financial risk profile of a nuclear plant versus that of other energy sources The government's role in funding nuclear How nuclear plants benefit Canada and its employment rate KPMG's work improving nuclear's ability to stay on time and on budget and how that benefits public perception of the nuclear industry How small modular reactors can streamline production, decrease cost, and increase nuclear scalability

In this episode we discuss... Amy's background in journalism and her personal journey in the nuclear industry reporting on energy from the Wall Street Journal to Axios How energy plays a role in economics and politics including the natural gas boom during the Obama era The evolution of energy in the media and its impact on public perception The pendulum swing of US energy regulations Nuclear's environmental benefits and the ways in which it can aid our carbon solution and work against climate change Amy's view of trends in electricity grids, coal, oil and natural gas, and nuclear The importance of the US's leadership role in guiding the global nuclear sector

In this episode we discuss... Tina's background in chemical engineering and her personal evolution in the nuclear industry Tina's early work at Northeast Utilities helping to manage the start up of Millstone 3 The chemical processes involved in a steam generator B&W Nuclear Technologies aka Framatome Different reactor types and their chemical components Comparing the overall environmental impact and health risk across different energy sources including nuclear Risk-based versus prescriptive approaches to licensing new designs in the US Key drivers of research in plant modernization including technology to automatically monitor chemistry Ways we can improve the economics of nuclear safety

In this episode we discuss... Al's background in material science and his personal journey in the nuclear industry from the NRC to EPRI Ways in which the NRC regulates civilian use of nuclear materials and its role at Yucca Mountain A deep dive into pitting and dry cask storage Various material degradation methods including crevice corrosion The safety and economic benefits of dry storage EPRI's research improving fuel rod coating to slow down oxidation and prolong fuel cycle within a pressurized water reactor Ways in which EPRI is working to accelerate the deployment of these concepts Test reactors and how they're working to expedite material qualifications

In this episode we discuss... Andrew's background in physics and optics and his personal journey in the nuclear industry An understanding of the metal wastes like uranium in weapons facilities and their effect on the environment How uranium becomes radon Chernobyl and how the facility was salvaged after the accident A deep dive into accident tolerant fuels The neutronics of silicon carbide versus zirconium Improving nuclear safety and cost efficiency Energy parks and their potential role in nuclear success EPRI's recent study on factors that control nuclear destiny including economics and policy

In this episode we discuss... Dave's background in welding and his personal journey in the nuclear industry The advantages of welding versus a flange The history of ultrasonic inspection welds Fatigue and creep in fossil plants How data collected from materials testing in fossil plants now contributes to the nuclear industry Temperatures required in coal plants versus those required in nuclear plants The use of 3D printing in additive manufacturing on an industrial scale Improving the time and cost of producing small modular reactors and Gen IV reactors Manufacturing's vital role in increasing nuclear's scalability

In this episode we discuss... Rob's background in history and his personal evolution in the nuclear industry Design flaws that led to the Three Mile Island accident Rob's work in plant modernization managing major electrical and digital upgrades at plants in the US Pros and cons of analog systems versus digital systems The core inputs essential to safety control in a plant including coolant flow and temperature parameters Economic challenges in nuclear and how we can replace manual labor with automation to help overcome those challenges Concerns over software common cause failure Lessons we can learn from upgrade deficiencies in other countries How cybersecurity is maintained in digital systems How plant modernization methods are working to dramatically reduce the operation and maintenance costs required in nuclear

In this episode we discuss... Dan's background in chemical engineering and his personal journey in the nuclear industry Dan's work studying lanthanides and actinides The different types of research and development an independent nonprofit organization like EPRI provides to utilities The contributing factors within primary and secondary coolants and how they alter the chemistry of oxides on materials Where plants get their water and the purification processes involved How water's chemistry changes over the lifetime of a reactor why that led to the introduction of alloy 690 in steam generators Boric acid's critical role in maintaining power level in a reactor Automation in the water chemistry analysis space Dan's current work providing the data necessary to qualify switching from lithium 7 to potassium hydroxide

In this episode we discuss... Neil's background in the British Navy and his personal journey in the nuclear industry Neil's work as a system engineer at Sizewell The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and its work to increase a power plant's capacity factor and uptime Understanding a plant's realtime risk profile EPRI's relationship with the nuclear industry and where it gets its funding EPRI's research surrounding operations and maintenance cost as well as capital cost EPRI's long term work supporting small modular reactors Gen IV reactors and what we need to do now to support their implementation in the coming decades

In this episode we discuss... Eric's personal evolution in the nuclear industry and his entrepreneurial endeavors including General Compression Eric's work as one of the world's leading climate change analysts and advisors A deep dive into natural gas cavern storage How a combination of cheap gas and lack of demand for electricity nearly eliminated the wind development industry Why compressed air storage and wind energy can't solve the global carbon emission problem System constraints Eric established while determining how to bring carbon-free electricity to the entire world and how advanced nuclear fits within those constraints Commercialization development and deployment challenges with advanced reactors and how we can overcome them The Nuclear Cost Driver Study Ways in which we can reduce the cost and time required in the construction process to increase nuclear's scalability

In this episode we discuss... Gene's background in nuclear engineering and personal journey in the nuclear industry The history of nuclear in the US including the aftermath of the Three Mile Island accident Plant designs including Westinghouse's AP1000 and GE's ESBWR The importance of documenting assumptions and managing margins when it comes to nuclear design and performance The role of redundancy in safety function Economic challenges that impeded the nuclear renaissance The environmental benefits of nuclear including its lack of pollutants such as SO2 and nitrous oxide Why the market doesn't yet recognize those benefits and how today's oversupply of gas slows down the push for nuclear energy Challenges we must overcome to reach a worldwide consensus on the necessity of nuclear