Decouple

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.

David Fishman, a senior manager at The Lantau Group, discusses the massive scale of China’s electrification, driven by state planning and market competition. He highlights China's coal power resurgence and the challenges it faces from renewables. The conversation also touches on advancements in battery technology and the country's shift toward precision manufacturing amid global tensions. Fishman further explores China's unique clean tech model and the implications of hydroelectric energy projects, like the Three Gorges Dam, on sustainable development.

Noah Rettberg, Decouple's Germany correspondent and a skilled physics technician, dives into the potential resurgence of nuclear energy in Germany. He discusses a report that suggests Germany could reactivate its closed reactors to add significant capacity to the European grid at lower costs. The conversation touches on the evolving political landscape that embraces nuclear energy following recent geopolitical events, as well as the complexities of current nuclear laws that could enable recommissioning. Overall, it highlights a critical juncture in Germany's energy policy.

Ian MacGregor, a Canadian engineer and founder of Enhance Energy, dives into the world of carbon capture, demystifying the technology behind the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line— the largest of its kind globally. He discusses the challenges of extracting CO2 from natural gas, the historical roots of carbon capture, and critical engineering insights. MacGregor also highlights economic hurdles and the essential government support needed for progress. Tune in for a pragmatic vision on the future of carbon capture and its role in climate solutions.

David Fishman, a senior manager at The Lantau Group and expert in China's power sector, discusses the country’s ambitious electrification strategy in response to pollution and energy security. He explains how state capitalism drives rapid investments in nuclear power, electric vehicles, and renewables. Fishman delves into the competitive landscape of solar and wind industries, the historical context of energy dependence, and the geopolitical tensions affecting supply routes. He also compares urban experiences in Shanghai and New York, reflecting on post-COVID changes.

Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group and an expert on energy complexities, dives deep into the fascinating world of oil. He traces oil's journey from ancient plankton to its pivotal role in shaping empires and military strategies. The discussion highlights the critical impact of high-octane fuel during WWII aviation, the evolution of oil exploration techniques, and the intricate drilling process. Nelson also connects past geological events to our current carbon challenges, showcasing the environmental implications of this vital resource.

In a thought-provoking discussion, James Krellenstein, CEO of Alva Energy, and Ted Nordhaus, executive director of The Breakthrough Institute, debate the future of nuclear technology. They explore the merits of large light water reactors versus advanced small modular reactors. Topics include the challenges of building large reactors in the U.S., financial and regulatory obstacles, and the importance of consensus in nuclear advocacy. Their nuanced conversation promotes collaboration to navigate the complex landscape of nuclear energy innovation.

Jeff Waksman, Program Manager for Project Pele at the Department of Defense, dives into the exciting world of military microreactors. He unpacks the powerful role of reliable energy in modern warfare and the logistics challenges faced by armed forces. Discussing Project Pele, he reveals the complexities of developing transportable nuclear reactors while balancing innovation with safety. Waksman also highlights the historical significance of nuclear power, advocating for its potential to enhance military energy resilience amidst evolving conflicts.