Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing The World Experts On Nuclear Energy

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