No Priors AI Nuclear Power’s Return Amid Energy Crunch
Nov 25, 2025
Nuclear energy is resurging to meet skyrocketing electricity demands driven by AI and data centers. The discussion highlights the U.S. history of reactor construction and the regulatory hurdles that stalled progress. Comparisons of nuclear safety with fossil fuels reveal interesting insights into risk and reliability. Modular reactors and factory-built designs are proposed to enhance efficiency. The podcast also delves into financing, waste management, and the need for skilled workers to support this nuclear renaissance.
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Why Nuclear Construction Stalled
- The U.S. once built reactors quickly, but regulations and fear ballooned costs and timelines.
- Longer builds multiplied interest costs and destroyed supply chains, making new projects uneconomical.
Radiation Risk Versus Real-World Harm
- Radiation is ubiquitous and low-level exposure is often less harmful than public perception suggests.
- Measured by deaths per unit energy, nuclear ranks near the safest alongside wind and solar.
AI And Data Centers Drive Firm Power Needs
- Electricity demand will surge from AI, data centers, and electrified industry requiring steady, always-on power.
- Nuclear offers firm capacity when variable renewables and storage alone can't meet round-the-clock loads.