Zero: The Climate Race How rich countries can build cheap nuclear power again
Aug 7, 2025
Rachel Slaybaugh, a former nuclear engineering professor and now a partner at DCVC focused on climate and energy, dives into the renewed interest in nuclear power. She discusses the booming electricity demand driven by AI and electric vehicles, and Microsoft’s striking deal to revive the Three Mile Island plant. Slaybaugh examines the historical challenges of nuclear development, the promise of advanced reactors, and the growing bipartisan support for nuclear energy in the U.S. This conversation highlights how modern nuclear solutions could become vital in addressing energy needs.
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Becoming a Licensed Reactor Operator
- Rachel Slaybaugh became a licensed nuclear reactor operator at Penn State's research reactor during her undergrad.
- It took a year of studying and drills, which is shorter and safer than commercial reactor operation licenses.
Why The West Stopped Nuclear Builds
- The West stopped building nuclear plants mainly due to flat power demand and high interest rates in the 1980s.
- Public resistance and decreased nuclear favor further stalled nuclear construction through the 1980s and 1990s.
Costly Western Nuclear Plants Explained
- Western nuclear power plants are expensive due to poor megaproject execution and lack of repeated builds.
- Building reactors one-off prevents cost reduction from experienced supply chains and workforce.