Decouple

In the wake of Europe's largest blackout in decades, commodities investor Alexander Stahel helps us to understand the physics of power grids, and how Spain's celebrated renewable transition became its Achilles' heel. He introduces the “hellbrise” phenomenon—excessive, rather than too little, renewable generation—as he considers the role of grid inertia in preventing minor disruptions from cascading into failures in mere seconds. Spanish energy policy isn’t the first time that green idealism has brushed over the fundamental requirements of reliable electricity, and it is unlikely to be the last. But it has certainly provided a stark example of the dangers that await such an oversight.

This week, we cover the recent blackout on the Iberian peninsula. Guillem Sanchis Ramirez, a Spanish nuclear engineer and advocate, walks us through the event that plunged over 50 million people into powerlessness and the power grid on which it happened. We cover Spain’s precarious dance with renewable energy, its political resistance to nuclear power, possible paths forward for the country’s energy supply, and our essential human reliance on stable electrical systems.Note: This interview was recorded on April 30, 2025, still in the midst of the story’s rapid development.

In this engaging conversation with Andy Knoll, a Harvard geologist and paleontologist, listeners explore how life has shaped Earth's geology and climate. Knoll discusses the lessons from past mass extinctions and underscores our urgency for action against climate change. He also examines the Great Oxygenation Event and its role in life's evolution. The talk ventures into the uniqueness of Earth in the search for extraterrestrial life and debates the challenges of Mars colonization versus Earth rehabilitation, leaving a thought-provoking perspective on our planet's future.

This week, we talk High Temperature Gas Reactors, or HTGRs, with a Decouple favorite: reactor designer and nuclear historian Nick Touran (What Is Nuclear | X). From the first conceptual sketch of an HTGR in wartime labs to today’s revival by players like X-energy and China’s fast-moving reactor fleet, we dissect what makes HTGRs unique—both in engineering promise and the difficulties that have long haunted their success. With helium cooling, TRISO fuel, and ambitions beyond electricity into process heat and industrial decarbonization, HTGRs may be poised for a comeback. But will history repeat itself, or finally break the cycle?Read longer show notes and support Decouple on Substack.

Join precision machinist Noah Rettberg on a riveting journey through the world of machine tools. He passionately discusses the evolution of metalworking, linking ancient Roman techniques to modern precision machining. Explore unrealized innovations in steam and the socio-economic factors that shaped technology. Noah also highlights how global trade and geopolitical shifts impact manufacturing capabilities, revealing the strategic responses of nations like Russia amid sanctions. It's a fascinating blend of history, craftsmanship, and the future of technology!

Nick Touran, a reactor designer and nuclear historian, dives into the world of radiation and nuclear power safety. He warns against complacency as nuclear advocates make strides in changing public perceptions. Touran discusses the historical context of radiation exposure, the complexities of spent nuclear fuel management, and the critical importance of safety protocols. He also explores everyday radioactivity in household items and critiques the marketing of nuclear innovations, all while emphasizing the need for transparency in nuclear safety discussions.

Nick Touran, a reactor designer and nuclear historian known for his expertise in advanced nuclear technology, sheds light on the fascinating world of molten salt reactors. He dives into their ambitious Cold War origins and the challenges faced in aviation safety with nuclear propulsion. Touran discusses the evolution and operational hurdles of these reactors, along with the untapped potential of thorium as a fuel source. With captivating anecdotes and insightful analysis, he debunks myths and explores the future of this intriguing technology.

This week, we talk Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) with James Krellenstein, the CEO of Alva Energy. We dive into the engineering, history, and physics of these reactors, how they differ from other designs, and why the United States may have erred in not choosing the Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR) instead of the Westinghouse AP-1000 for the Vogtle nuclear power plant.For this episode, we’ve included a glossary below to help with unfamiliar terms:ABWR: Advanced Boiling Water ReactorATWS: Anticipated Transient Without ScramBORAX experiments: Historical experiments testing reactor limits through deliberate failuresBWR: Boiling Water ReactorCOPS: Containment Overpressure Protection SystemCRDM: Control Rod Drive MechanismESBWR: Economic Simplified Boiling Water ReactorFLEX: Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies (post-Fukushima enhancements)FOAK: First of a kindIGSCC: Intergranular Stress Corrosion CrackingNOAK: N-nth of a kindNRC: Nuclear Regulatory CommissionNSSS: Nuclear Steam Supply System (N Triple-S)PRA: Probabilistic Risk AssessmentPWR: Pressurized Water ReactorRCIC: Reactor Core Isolation Cooling System RPV: Reactor Pressure VesselSLC: Standby Liquid Control SystemRead more on Substack!

Steve Keen, a Post-Keynesian economist and author known for critiquing mainstream economic theories, discusses industrial policy's historical significance. He emphasizes how successful industrial nations, from Britain to China, relied on protectionist policies. Keen critiques the effectiveness of Trump's tariffs in rebuilding American industry, warning that simplistic solutions may lead to chaos. He also highlights the impact of globalization on trade dynamics, the complexities of public versus private debt, and the consequences of wasteful expenditures on sustainability.

Join Professor Koroush Shirvan, an expert in nuclear engineering from MIT, as he unpacks the fascinating world of uranium fuel. He discusses the surprising transformations of fuel under bombardment and the economic challenges of uranium enrichment. Shirvan highlights innovative accident-tolerant fuels that could revolutionize safety in reactors while drawing from historical context and technical complexities. Discover the balance between advanced reactor designs and the fluctuating market conditions that could define the future of nuclear energy.