Decouple

Dr. Jeff Waksman, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, shares his insights into the Janus microreactor program. He reveals how Janus aims to learn from past failures, using a milestone-based funding approach inspired by SpaceX. Waksman discusses the challenges of fuel logistics, the need for operational flexibility in military contexts, and the ambitious goal of transitioning to scalable production. He also highlights the complexities of regulatory hurdles and supply chain dynamics in reviving military nuclear initiatives.

James Carlinstein, CEO of Alva Energy and veteran in nuclear project development, dives deep into the failures of America's first nuclear revival. He unveils how cheap shale gas and the fallout from the Fukushima disaster halted progress. With plans for eight AP1000 reactors, James emphasizes the need for strong developer organizations over mere reactor design. He analyzes lessons from the troubled Vogtle and Summer projects and argues that reviving institutional capacity is essential for a successful nuclear comeback in the U.S.

Phil Chaffee, an editor at Energy Intelligence specializing in nuclear energy policy, dives into Saudi Arabia's ambitious nuclear program. He discusses the Kingdom's motivations rooted in prestige, industrial capacity, and the regional tensions with Iran. The conversation reveals the complexities surrounding U.S.-Saudi nuclear negotiations, including enrichment rights and vendor competition with countries like South Korea and Russia. They also touch on the geopolitical implications and the balance of energy strategy in the face of rapid technological shifts.

Samuel Gibson, the 24-year-old founder and CEO of Hadron Energy, shares his innovative vision for the future of nuclear power. He discusses transitioning from a one megawatt to a ten megawatt microreactor design, believing it offers the fastest path to licensing. Gibson elaborates on assembling a seasoned team from industry leaders and the unique financial strategy involving a SPAC. The conversation dives into the challenges of regulatory frameworks, factory production versus civil works costs, and the potential applications for remote power needs, all while navigating the fascinating landscape of nuclear energy.

James Krellenstein, CEO of Alva Energy and a nuclear engineering expert, returns for a masterclass on the AP1000's advanced safety features. He shares the innovative passive safety architecture that outperforms traditional systems during emergencies. Listeners learn about the reactor's efficient design, including core makeup tanks and automatic depressurization systems. James discusses the challenges faced in validating these systems with the NRC and DOE, showcasing how the AP1000 represents a leap forward in nuclear safety.

Michael Seeley, a licensed nuclear engineer, discusses the intricate $80 billion U.S. partnership with Westinghouse. Yuri Humber, an expert on Japanese energy, explores how this deal dovetails with Japan's $550 billion investment framework. Chris Keefer, representing Canadian nuclear interests, sheds light on potential benefits for Canada and the geopolitics of energy security. They debate cross-border supply chains, discuss risks for Japan under U.S. concessions, and examine the implications of selecting Westinghouse as a favored vendor in nuclear policy.

Aleksey Rezvoi, a veteran maritime nuclear engineer educated in the Soviet Union, shares his insights on Russia’s maritime nuclear fleet. He reveals the historical significance of the Lenin icebreaker and the evolution of reactor designs to modern small modular reactors (SMRs). Rezvoi discusses the practicalities of Arctic logistics, contrasts Russian operational experience with Western SMR hype, and highlights the importance of system economics. He also addresses safety paradigms, fuel innovations, and the unique challenges of designing reactors for maritime conditions.

François Morin, a lead for the World Nuclear Association on China, brings his unique insights from traveling across Chinese reactor sites and speaking fluent Mandarin. He discusses the impressive speed of China’s nuclear construction compared to past French standards, revealing the challenges of transitioning from coal and gas. François explains the operational nuances of various advanced reactors, including the CAP1400, and the cultural hesitancies toward inland builds. He also highlights China’s ambitious plans for sodium fast and high-temperature gas reactors, while addressing geopolitical hurdles in nuclear exports.

Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover History Lab and author of Breakneck, explores the contrast between China as an 'engineering state' and the U.S. as a 'lawyerly society.' He discusses the rise of engineers in China's political landscape post-Mao and how the U.S. shifted towards legalism in the 60s and 70s. Wang shares insights from his cycling trip in Guizhou, the implications of the one-child policy, and China's ambitious infrastructure projects, revealing both the benefits and drawbacks of state control and capacity.

Jesse Ausubel, an environmental scientist and director at The Rockefeller University, discusses groundbreaking ideas on sustainability. He delves into the concept of logistic S-curves to explain trends in energy systems. Ausubel highlights the 'environmental trifecta' of land-sparing, decarbonization, and dematerialization, while addressing the complexities in these areas. He also shares insights on hydrogen's potential, challenges in energy transitions, and reflects on the future of biodiversity through innovative frameworks and long-term thinking.