Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

Tim Frazier: A Journey Through Nuclear Innovation

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May 19, 2025

Tim Frazier, a seasoned nuclear industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, shares fascinating insights into his career. He discusses the development of radioisotope power systems for deep space missions and the role of nuclear technologies in sustainable energy. Frazier also highlights advancements in reactor technology, including sodium-cooled reactors, and the importance of managing spent nuclear fuel. With an optimistic outlook, he emphasizes the potential for nuclear innovations to power the future and meet rising energy demands.

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ANECDOTE

From Weapons Work To Space Power

Tim Frazier started his nuclear career at Mound working on nuclear weapons before shifting to Pu-238 radioisotope power systems for NASA.
A mentor offered him a role in the Pu-238 program, and he chose deep space power over waste management.

INSIGHT

Why RTGs Still Matter

RTGs convert decay heat from Pu-238 into electricity using thermoelectrics at roughly 6.5–7% efficiency.
They remain the go-to choice for long-life, harsh and remote deep-space missions due to proven longevity.

INSIGHT

Alternative Isotopes For RPS

Companies like X-energy and XenoPower explore alternative isotopes such as strontium-90 and americium for RPS use.
Strontium is abundant in spent fuel but requires shielding; americium has long half-life but limited Western supply.

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In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, Tim Frazier, a veteran in the nuclear industry, discusses his extensive career in government and the private sector, focusing first on his work with radioisotope power systems used in deep space exploration, the potential for using alternative isotopes, and the future of nuclear propulsion in space. The wide-ranging conversation covers Tim's work with the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, as well as advances in reactor technologies. He provides an overview of his work with Aalo Atomics, a start-up reactor development company, and the role of nuclear energy in powering today's AI and data center revolution. Tim expresses optimism about the future of the nuclear industry and the potential for new reactor technologies to play a significant role in energy production, in the U.S. and around the globe.

Tim Frazier brings over 35 years of experience in the nuclear industry, including nearly 23 years with the United States Department of Energy (DOE), where he held senior positions within the Office of Nuclear Energy and other divisions. His expertise spans nuclear energy, nuclear policy, the backend of the nuclear fuel cycle, non-proliferation, nuclear space power, and congressional, state, local, and stakeholder communications. During his DOE tenure, he managed nuclear operations and facilities both in the field and from headquarters, leading large, multidisciplinary project teams that included national laboratories and private-sector contractors

Currently, Tim holds multiple roles: Vice President of Government Programs at Aalo Atomics, Operating Partner for Nuclear Project Development at Cross River Infrastructure Partners, and Senior Advisor to the CEO at Zeno Power Systems. His work focuses on nuclear innovation, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships across government and industry.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - https://ucanpower.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower