Macro Voices MacroVoices #460 Thomas Jam Pedersen: Advanced Nuclear Reactor Designs For Energy Transition
16 snips
Dec 24, 2024 
In this fascinating conversation, Thomas Jam Pedersen, Founder of Copenhagen Atomics and an expert in nuclear technology, discusses advanced nuclear reactor designs and their role in the energy transition. He highlights the challenges of fossil fuel reliance and critiques the feasibility of renewables. Pedersen explains the potential of small modular reactors and thorium fuel cycles, emphasizing their safety and efficiency. He also shares insights on the economics of advanced nuclear technologies and the upcoming innovation in reactors that could redefine our energy landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Energy Consumption Growth
- Global energy consumption has consistently increased for 120 years, driven by population and prosperity growth.
- This trend will continue, focusing on the energy mix's composition, not overall reduction.
Baseload vs. Intermittent Energy
- Baseload energy demand requires baseload supply, not intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
- Batteries cannot economically supplement wind and solar for baseload and consume precious metals needed for electric vehicles.
Industrial Process Heat
- Electrifying all energy consumption is unrealistic. Industrial process heat, a significant energy demand, requires direct heat, not inefficient electricity conversion.
- Electrifying process heat like steel and concrete making is inefficient, losing over half the energy in conversion.