StarTalk Radio Solving AI’s Energy Problem with Kathryn Huff
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Feb 21, 2025 
Kathryn Huff, an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois and former Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, discusses the urgent energy challenges posed by AI and data centers. The conversation humorously tackles nuclear waste, as well as the safety and public perception of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels. They explore small modular reactors' potential to meet rising power demands and innovations like advanced reactor technologies. Kathryn also highlights the importance of recycling nuclear fuel and the connection between sustainable energy and tech revolutions.
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Nuclear Safety
- Nuclear energy is safer than fossil fuels based on deaths per terawatt-hour.
- This metric considers deaths from accidents and other related factors.
Nuclear Waste Volume
- Nuclear waste is a small volume relative to energy produced.
- 60 years of spent fuel in the U.S. would only fill a football field a few meters high.
Fission vs. Fusion
- Current nuclear power generation relies on fission, not fusion.
- Fusion power is promising but still far from commercial viability.