Behind the Money
Is this nuclear power’s moment?
Jan 31, 2024
The podcast discusses the recent attention and challenges faced by the nuclear power industry. Topics include new technological advancements, venture capital investments, boom-and-bust cycles, and controversies. It explores the reliability of nuclear power, development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, challenges in the US nuclear fuel supply chain, and difficulties in attracting investments. The importance of scaling up SMRs and government support are also highlighted.
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Quick takeaways
- Nuclear power is experiencing a revival due to its potential as a climate-friendly and reliable energy source, driven by new technological advancements.
- The nuclear power startup sector faces challenges such as inflationary pressures, project delays, and reliance on a single supplier for highly enriched uranium fuel.
Deep dives
Nuclear Power Industry's Decline and Revival
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, demand for nuclear power plummeted globally, leading to a major decline in the industry. However, nuclear power is experiencing a revival due to its potential as a climate-friendly and reliable energy source. Nuclear power does not produce greenhouse gases and provides a stable source of energy unaffected by weather conditions. The revival is driven by new technological advancements, including small modular reactors (SMRs) that are safer and cheaper to build. Many startups, established companies, and tech founders are investing in the development of SMRs. However, these companies face challenges such as inflationary pressures and delays in project execution.
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