Decouple

Join award-winning science writer Peter Brannen, who specializes in deep-time geoscience, as he explains the 4.5 billion-year saga of carbon dioxide. Discover how CO2 shaped early life and the planet's evolution through events like Snowball Earth and the Permian extinction. Hear about the role of fossil fuels in creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere and how climate shifts influenced human evolution. Brannen also dives into the significance of small CO2 changes and early human impacts on today's climate.

Alex Wellerstein, an associate professor known for his work on nuclear secrecy and creator of NukeMap, dives into the intricate history of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. He reveals how covert operations, like Israel's uranium acquisition in the 1960s, shaped current dynamics. They discuss Iran's strategic nuclear pursuits and Israel's ambiguous policies. Wellerstein also sheds light on significant events like the Vela incident and the implications of recent attacks on Iranian facilities, highlighting the uncertain future of nuclear weapons in the region.

David Abraham, a natural resource strategist and author of 'The Elements of Power', discusses the vital role of rare earth metals in today’s geopolitics. He reveals how these elements, critical for technology and military applications, are reshaping global power dynamics. With China controlling 90% of the refining market, he warns of the implications for supply chains. From the evolution of materials in warfare to the future of electric vehicles, the conversation highlights the urgency of developing independent supplies to navigate rising global tensions.

Henry Sanderson, a former journalist and author of 'Volt Rush,' dives into the rise of the global battery industry. He charts the evolution of battery technology from early experiments to today's critical role in clean energy. The discussion reveals how China emerged as a powerhouse in electric vehicles, driven by industrial policies and ethical dilemmas in cobalt mining. Sanderson also highlights the environmental impacts of nickel mining in Indonesia and the competition between lithium-ion and emerging sodium-ion technologies.

This week, we talk about Russian nuclear exports. Michael Seely, host of AtomicBlender, joins me to discuss the rise of Rosatom: Russia’s nuclear energy behemoth that now builds nearly half of the world’s new reactors. We trace its formation after the Soviet collapse, its grip on the nuclear fuel market, and its unmatched “turnkey” model for newcomer nations. Rosatom’s nuclear exports are more than just a commercial endeavour—they can reshape global influence for decades.Michael's videos on Canada, Russia, and Ukraine.

This week, we travel to the edge of the map with Aleksandr Surtcev, an engineer who has crewed Russian nuclear icebreakers along the Northern Sea Route. We explore how Russia’s Arctic fleet keeps this strategic corridor open, why floating nuclear plants are powering remote communities and mines, and what life looks like in a place where polar bears trail ships for fish and resupply markets pop up on the ice. Beneath the stories lies a deeper discussion of geopolitics, engineering, and the hard logistics of operating in one of the most unforgiving regions on Earth.

This week, Mark Nelson joins us to deliver his second annual “State of the Atom” address. The nuclear power landscape has transformed in the last two years. Russia continues its nuclear export dominance while the West at last awakens from its stupor, driven by an unexpected force: artificial intelligence's insatiable appetite for baseload power. From Amazon's billion-dollar Susquehanna deal to Three Mile Island's resurrection, Big Tech is discovering what nuclear advocates have long known: that when you need reliable electricity around the clock, few other generation sources compare. Nelson maps the new nuclear battlefield where Chinese reactors scale up to 1,700 megawatts, European phase-outs crumble, and Western teams scramble to assemble the talent and capital needed to compete.Read more on Substack.

Seaver Wang, Director of the Climate and Energy Research Program at The Breakthrough Institute, dives into the intriguing world of solar energy. He discusses the historical evolution of solar technology and China’s dominance in polysilicon manufacturing. The conversation also addresses controversial issues like Uyghur labor in Xinjiang, shedding light on ethical sourcing. Additionally, Wang explores solar's lifecycle emissions, recent cost reductions, and the critical role of battery storage for future integration with renewable energy. Fascinating insights await!

We have an unusual episode today. One, because of its length (1 hour 40 minutes), and two, because I’m the guest. Joined by Aidan Morrison as acting host, I talk about a topic of intense interest to me: the Darlington SMR project in Ontario, Canada. I’ve been critical of this SMR project, which recently received its final investment decision, by calling for a pivot to CANDU reactors at the site.I use this episode to break down all my reasons for being critical, and to concede ground to this bold SMR project where earned. This is not the first place I’ve shared my reasoning (media interview here, LinkedIn post there), but it is the most in-depth.If you have time to listen to the full thing, I promise you will leave quite knowledgeable about the ambitious and capable Ontario nuclear sector, which I’ve studied and engaged with for years.Prompting this episode was the OPG’s final investment decision on the SMR and the revelation of its eye-watering cost estimates. I break down the $4.5 billion price tag for the first unit, the expected learning that will take place, and share why this represents not just a technical and economic challenge, but a strategic mistake that could undermine Canada’s competitive advantage in nuclear power. From the massive excavation challenges of burying a reactor ten stories underground to the national security risks of abandoning proven CANDU technology for American designs, I hope to share some of the hard truths behind the SMR hype.Read extended shownotes on Substack.Watch now on YouTube.

Robbie Stewart, CTO of Alva Energy and co-founder of Boston Atomics, dives into the complexities of nuclear construction and learning curves. He discusses why the nuclear industry struggles with cost reduction compared to other sectors. Insights include the success of France's reactor fleet and China's swift AP1000 construction, highlighting the necessity of integrated management and standardized designs. Stewart challenges traditional notions of Wright's Law, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to drive efficiency and accountability in nuclear project management.