Inevitable AI’s Power Gap and Nuclear’s Return with The Nuclear Company
Oct 7, 2025
Juliann Edwards, Chief Development Officer at The Nuclear Company and a leader in U.S. Women in Nuclear, shares her insights on the resurgence of nuclear energy in America. She discusses the challenges of recent builds like Vogtle, China's rapid nuclear expansion, and the potential of AI in optimizing operations. Juliann reveals how fleet-scale deployments can drive down costs and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in shifting public perceptions about nuclear. She also highlights the unique role of hyperscalers in the future energy landscape.
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Focus On The 88% That Matters
- The Nuclear Company targets proven reactor designs and attacks the "other 88%" of costs: construction, financing, and project management.
- Fleet-scale, repeat builds and shared learning are their primary levers to lower costs and accelerate deployment.
Six‑State Bus Tour Shaped Strategy
- Juliann organized a six-state bus tour to educate communities, trade schools, and officials after launching from a conference in Pittsburgh.
- The tour informed site selection and revealed broad local interest and priorities for nuclear builds.
Three Waves Explain Nuclear's Cycles
- U.S. nuclear stalled after the 1970s due to economic shocks, deregulation, and declining demand from manufacturing loss.
- Today's trifecta—surging energy demand, regulatory push, and strong operational track record—drives renewed momentum.
