Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing The World Experts On Nuclear Energy

In this episode, we discuss... (1) How the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority became the commercial AA Technology nuclear practice (2) How radioactive waste is disposed of in the UK, the US, and in Canada (3) The importance of calibration when communicating radioactive waste and nuclear safety (4) Establishing fertile SMR markets through effective communication and government commitment rather than technological advancement

In this episode, we discuss... (1) The importance of optimizing the secondary side design to remain competitive in today’s nuclear landscape (2) The interdisciplinary nature of the nuclear field and the shift in the reactor design process to focus on economics and safety (3) The economic conclusions from Koroush’s small reactor design research and how lower source terms mean less stringent NRC requirements (4) The factors that determine the number of fuel cycles and the decision to reuse fuel

In this episode, we discuss... (1) Tim’s journey to the nuclear industry via Oxford University, the financial sector and government infrastructure projects (2) How kickstarting the UK’s nuclear industry requires financial support from the government, a shift in design focus towards producing a product, and increasing supply chain and regulation efficiency (3) How Tim helped shift the UK’s regulator towards a focus on outcomes rather than processes, creating more flexibility and a stronger relationship with industry (4) How reaching the UK’s net zero by 2050 carbon goal requires education, new infrastructure and an energy portfolio that includes nuclear, renewables and carbon capture technology

In this episode, we discuss... (1) The evolution from single to coupled physics simulations with increased computational power (2) Increasing computation power of supercomputers to 1.4 exaflops with the Exascale Computing Project (3) Natural circulation and other new design features increases the complexity of reactor simulations (4) More partnerships between industry and National Laboratories are needed to produce more simulated data and to push the nuclear industry forward

In this episode, we discuss... (1) How Atoms for Peace inspired Wade to enter science (2) The importance of nuclear education for both young people and newcomer countries (3) Why theater is a new way to educate the public about nuclear energy (4) How nuclear power will be needed to provide food and water in the next century as climate change continues

In this episode, we discuss... (1) Ben’s personal journey from anti- to pro-nuclear (2) The importance of understanding identitarian politics when supporting a nuclear change of mind (3) The challenges faced when changing identities (4) Debating the value generated from radiation risk measures

In this episode, we discuss:

In this episode, we discuss... (1) Titans of Nuclear’s relationship to the Energy Impact Center and how it taught Naomi more about the nuclear industry (2) Naomi’s graduate school plans and the importance of studying the spread of antibiotic resistance through water systems (3) Naomi’s experience at the Fastest Path to Zero workshop (4) How Naomi thinks the Titans for Nuclear podcast will evolve over time

In this episode, we discuss... (1) Federico’s interest in sustainability as a motivation for entering the nuclear industry (2) Gaining public acceptance through information rather than promotion and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (3) How the IAEA and experienced countries support newcomer countries through knowledge transfer (4) How focusing on economics, management and building human resources can lead to success for the nuclear industry

In this episode, we discuss... (1) Why the UK’s Sellafield nuclear site will soon be decommissioned and how their graduate program moved Reuben into the nuclear sector (2) How the Nuclear National Laboratory is researching the anti-corrosion chemistries of different nuclear reactor designs including fusion reactors (3) Reuben’s involvement in the Young Generation Network and how he is working to share the next generation’s insights and accomplishments (4) Researching how to engage the public better will improve nuclear acceptance and secure the future of the industry

In this episode, we discuss: (1) How Rose became interested in radioisotopes from an early interest in chemistry and medicine (2) What an isotope is and how Actinium-225 is created (3) Why the demand for Actinium-225 is increasing and the challenges the Tri-Lab Project faces in meeting this demand (4) The role of education in radiation acceptance

In this episode, we discuss how... (1) Jeremy Renshaw comes from a family of engineers and is raising children who are likewise passionate about math, science and robotics. (2) He currently works at the Electric Power Research Institute, an independent nonprofit that conducts research and environmentally responsible demonstration projects to enhance the quality of life of people globally. (3) Jeremy’s work in nuclear using robots to inspect dry spent fuel canisters; he discussed the need for dry fuel canisters due to the lack of repositories and the stalling of the Yucca Mountain project. (4) He believes in the importance of research to increase the efficiency, safety and economic benefits to combat the negative perceptions of nuclear plants and discussed how the closer of current power plants is creating real risks to prevent imaginary ones.

In this episode, we discuss...

(1) How the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster changed the trajectory of Chuck's career (2) Lessons in leadership learned through Chuck's personal experiences at the Fukushima site (3) Chuck's background in nuclear power plant construction and equipment operation (4) The importance of reflecting on Fukushima and the special nature of nuclear technology

In this episode, we discuss how... (1) Decreasing focus on design and adopting the copy and paste model to deliver projects on time and on budget (2) The reasons behind Assystem’s continued focus and success in the nuclear industry (3) Why education is needed to understand that decreasing energy consumption will not stop climate change (4) Assystem’s strategy when partnering with countries to develop nuclear programs

In this episode we discuss how... (1) The need for politicians to take on long-term issues and understand that decreasing electricity consumption is not a solution (2) The difference between carbon emissions and carbon footprint and why the focus should shift towards decreasing overall carbon footprint (3) Europe’s increasing electricity demand and the shift towards relocalization (4) Making energy a strategic political issue

In this episode we discuss: (1) Using the TRL and BRL scales to determine which innovation projects to invest in (2) Monitoring nuclear reactor cracks using machine vision to save costs (3) Creating nuclear facility maintenance schedules using predicted maintenance based on individual plant operating conditions (4) Using AI to automatically extract data from 14 million physical nuclear reports

In this episode we discuss how: (1) The new RAB finance model will attract long term investors to the UK’s nuclear industry (2) Nuclear investment is needed for the UK to reach the Net 0 Target of 2050 (3) The Copy and Paste model decreases nuclear project risk (4) The importance of educating children at a young age about nuclear power

In this episode, we discuss how... (1) Assystem’s role in France’s nuclear industry (2) The importance of mixed engineering teams when designing, constructing and commissioning nuclear power facilities (3) Regulating fusion as a means to gain public support for nuclear power (4) The role of ITER in the future of nuclear energy