Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Are Democrats the Party of Nuclear Now?

Oct 23, 2024

Jillian Goodman, deputy editor at Heatmap, joins Josh Freed, senior VP of Third Way’s climate and energy program, to discuss nuclear energy's resurgence. They explore major tech companies' investments in advanced nuclear, illustrating a crucial shift in energy policy. The conversation highlights the Democratic Party’s evolving support for nuclear power and the impact of public perception among younger voters. Freed also touches on the role of unions in boosting nuclear projects, revealing how attitudes are changing in a demand-driven market.

01:02:06

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Episode guests

Josh Freed

Jillian Goodman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Major tech companies like Amazon and Google are heavily investing in nuclear energy to secure clean power for their growing operations.

The Democratic Party has shifted its stance on nuclear energy, now recognizing it as essential for a clean energy transition supported by new legislations.

Labor unions play a critical role in the nuclear sector, advocating for projects that promise environmental benefits and job creation amidst evolving perceptions.

Deep dives

Big Tech's Surge into Nuclear Energy

Recently, major technology companies, particularly Amazon and Google, have made significant investments in nuclear energy, signaling a definitive shift towards advanced nuclear technology. Amazon announced a substantial $500 million investment in X Energy, aiming to bring advanced reactors online that could generate up to five gigawatts of power by 2039. Meanwhile, Google secured a power purchase agreement with Kairos Power for 500 megawatts of nuclear-generated electricity by 2035. This trend showcases the growing recognition among tech giants that nuclear power may be essential to meet surging electricity demands without adding carbon emissions.

Intro

4min

Nuclear Energy's Tech Turnaround

16min

The Rise of Advanced Nuclear Energy in a Demand-Driven Market

4min

Nuclear Energy's New Era: Tech and Politics

10min

The Role of Unions in Advancing Nuclear Energy

3min

Evolving Attitudes Toward Nuclear Energy

14min

Nuclear Energy Protests and Environmental Shifts

7min

The Irony of Air Conditioning and Electric Vehicle Progress

5min

Over the past two months, the country’s biggest tech companies have announced a flurry of deals with advanced and conventional nuclear companies. At the same time, Democratic candidates running for federal office — including Kamala Harris and a handful of Senate candidates — have touted their support of building new nuclear power plants. Has nuclear’s moment finally arrived?

On this week’s episode of Shift Key, we have Josh Freed, the senior vice president of Third Way’s climate and energy program, discussing why nuclear might be about to boom, why Democrats are embracing nuclear, and whether a Trump administration could derail the investments. This episode of Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jillian Goodman, Heatmap’s deputy editor.

Shift Key co-host Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University, is out this week.

Mentioned:

What Makes Amazon’s Big Nuclear Deal Different

Microsoft’s Mega Deal Is a Massive Victory for Nuclear Power

Google’s deal with Kairos Energy

Democrats Embrace Nuclear Power In Heated Senate Races, by Alexander Kaufman

Jillian’s upshift/downshift, Rob’s upshift.

This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …

Watershed’s climate data engine helps companies measure and reduce their emissions, turning the data they already have into an audit-ready carbon footprint backed by the latest climate science. Get the sustainability data you need in weeks, not months. Learn more at watershed.com.

As a global leader in PV and ESS solutions, Sungrow invests heavily in research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of solar and battery inverter technology. Discover why Sungrow is the essential component of the clean energy transition by visiting sungrowpower.com.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America is the premier U.S.-based conference and trade show focused on solar, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. To learn more, visit intersolar.us.

Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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