Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing The World Experts On Nuclear Energy

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 othe

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