Inevitable Startup Series: Nuclear Micro-Reactors with Radiant
Doug Bernauer is the CEO and Co-founder of Radiant. Radiant is developing a portable nuclear micro-reactor to replace diesel generators. They raised a $40 million Series B in 2023 led by a16z, after previously raising capital from investors including USV, Founders Fund, and DCVC. They're targeting the development of a portable, mostly self-contained, one-megawatt nuclear reactor that is roughly the size of a shipping container.
We've been focusing more on nuclear energy lately, exploring whether the US could reclaim its position as a global leader. With bipartisan support reflected in recent legislation like the ADVANCE Act signed into law by President Biden, there are signs of progress, but significant challenges remain.
In this episode, Doug discusses these challenges and delves into Radiant’s technology, use cases, fuel, and more.
In this episode, we cover:
- [02:28]: Radiant's micro-reactor technology and applications
- [04:21]: Use cases for one-megawatt reactors, including disaster relief
- [06:36]: Description of Radiant’s reactor
- [10:26]: Cooling technologies used by Radiant
- [12:20]: Radiant's connection with Idaho National Lab's Pele design
- [13:40]: DOE and DoD funding for Radiant's nuclear technology
- [17:02]: Customer models and sales strategies for nuclear reactors
- [20:43]: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval processes for operating reactors
- [21:57]: Doug’s hopes for future regulatory parity with diesel generators
- [24:18]: Supply chain for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel
- [28:38]: Challenges of NRC processes for micro-reactors
- [32:24]: Demand signals from remote and military applications for micro-reactors
- [35:31]: Current financing status and future fundraising plans
Episode recorded on Aug 8, 2024 (Published on Sep 12, 2024)
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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant