Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Chris Ritter, a nationally-recognized leader in AI applications and the Director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence (DICE) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), explores how AI can enhance the design, licensing, and operation of nuclear technologies, particularly through the use of digital twins—virtual models that mirror physical assets. Chris shares his journey to INL, the establishment of DICE, the challenges and future prospects of AI supporting the nuclear industry, and the potential for significant improvements in reactor efficiency, remote operations, and licensing efficiency. The discussion also covers the use of multiple AI programs and the importance of human oversight in AI applications.Chris Ritter is the division director of scientific computing & AI and director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). His team of ~100 computational and data scientists are changing the world’s future with AI/ML, digital twinning, digital engineering, multi-physics, HPC, and digital thread technologies across a portfolio of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, semiconductor, and defense applications.Chris founded INL's nationally leading digital engineering team which grew from 0 to over ~57 of the nation’s top researchers and developers in digital science. His team led the first nuclear reactor digital twin, built the Deep Lynx open digital thread platform, developed the first autonomous non-nuclear microreactor, and is actively building multiple petabyte-scale digital thread platforms. Additionally, he co-president of Newcomers in Leadership and Chief Digital Officer of SMART USA. Prior to INL, Chris co-founded and led development of the #1 cloud-native MBSE tool, Innoslate, used in 107 counties across 2,000 companies around the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Advanced Nuclear02:00 Chris Ritter's Journey to INL04:00 The Creation of DICE at INL07:11 Understanding Digital Twins10:49 Accuracy and Applications of Digital Twins16:02 Future Work and Innovations in Digital Twins18:06 Reducing Risk and Optimizing Performance with AI22:37 Barriers to Entry in Nuclear Technology23:38 Current State of AI Adoption in Nuclear26:25 The Role of AI in Reactor Design32:57 AI in Licensing and Regulatory Processes36:34 Future of AI in Reactor Operations and DesignThis podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear PowerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Jarret Adams, founder and CEO of Full On Communications, about the importance of effective external and internal communications in the nuclear industry. They discuss the need for clear and consistent messaging to engage communities, address public misconceptions, and promote the benefits of nuclear power. Adams emphasizes the inseparable nature of communications and business strategy, the importance of transparency, the challenges faced by new nuclear startups, and the evolving landscape of nuclear energy amid geopolitical changes and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the significance of branding and the recent pledge to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050.Jarret has more than 25 years of international experience in corporate communications. He created Full On to help the nuclear energy sector tell its story better. He previously worked at AREVA, where he served as Vice President of Communications and Director of Media Relations and Online Communications. He has also served as a Senior Communications Consultant for the U.S. Nuclear Energy Institute.Prior to creating Full On Communications, Jarret was a Director of Communications for an international public relations agency based in the United Arab Emirates and focusing on the clean energy sector. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from the George Washington University. He also attended the Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme, a graduate school of journalism, in France.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power03:05 Jared Adams: Background and Philosophy05:58 The Importance of Effective Communication09:01 Engaging Communities on Nuclear Power12:02 Navigating Public Perception and Misconceptions15:01 Challenges for New Nuclear Startups17:48 Cost and Efficiency in Nuclear Energy20:54 Avoiding Communication Pitfalls24:09 Branding and Messaging in Nuclear26:48 Geopolitical and Technological Changes29:57 Documentary: Nuclear Resurgence32:59 The Tripling Nuclear Power by 2050 Pledge34:10 Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Fission, about her company's innovative approach to nuclear power. They discuss Liz's background, the unique design that places nuclear reactors in mile-deep boreholes, and the potential benefits of this approach, including cost efficiency, safety, and shortened time to deployment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of public perception, the importance of collaboration with the data center industry and other end-users, and the future of nuclear energy in the U.S.Liz is a serial entrepreneur at the forefront of nuclear energy and environmental innovation. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Deep Fission, a groundbreaking nuclear energy startup transforming the industry by placing reactors a mile underground. Previously, she served as CEO of Deep Isolation, a pioneering nuclear waste company, where she now serves as Executive Chairwoman. Liz also founded Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit delivering critical data science on climate change.A named inventor on multiple patents, Liz was recognized as a Clean Energy Rising Star by Business Insider in 2020. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a published author, backpacker, dance instructor, and proud mother of two, based in the Bay Area.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Podcast01:30 Meet Liz Muller: A Leader in Nuclear Innovation02:33 Liz's Journey into the Nuclear Industry04:01 Deep Isolation and the Birth of Deep Fission07:03 Innovative Reactor Design: A Mile Underground11:01 Cost Efficiency of Borehole Reactors12:01 Manufacturing and Fuel Considerations13:52 Operational Characteristics of the Reactor15:02 Deployment and Accuracy of Boreholes16:44 Rapid Deployment of Nuclear Reactors18:15 Safety Advantages of Underground Reactors20:30 Environmental Considerations and Public Perception21:00 Geological Flexibility and Deployment Locations22:01 Disposal and Retrieval of Spent Fuel23:31 Target Industries for Nuclear Power24:17 Military Applications of Underground Reactors25:55 Addressing Public Concerns about Nuclear Power27:12 Financial Viability and Market Response29:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Jim Howe speaks with Jordan Robison, Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources. They discuss the company's innovative approach to advanced nuclear technology, focusing on molten salt reactors and their potential applications. Robison shares insights on Natura's rapid progress, partnerships with universities, and the importance of regulatory engagement. The conversation highlights the growing opportunities in the advanced nuclear sector and the need for diverse technologies to meet global energy demands.Jordan is the Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources, where he drives innovative engineering solutions and oversees critical program development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Austin College, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Dallas, and an MBA from Abilene Christian University, equipping him with a unique blend of technical prowess and strategic leadership. With a career that began in technical and engineering management roles within the semiconductor and oil and gas industries, Robison brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position at Natura Resources.Since joining Natura Resources in 2020, Robison has played a pivotal role in advancing Natura Resources' molten salt reactor technology, guiding both university research initiatives and commercial development efforts. He works closely with faculty and staff from Natura’s five university partners—Abilene Christian University (ACU), Georgia Tech, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Tech University—while collaborating with the teams at Zachry Nuclear Engineering and Teledyne Brown Engineering to advance the detailed design of the Natura MSR-1 demonstration system that is being deployed at ACU.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power01:30 Natura Resources: Company Overview and Mission03:26 Natura's Innovative Approach to Reactor Deployment07:53 Commercial Projects and Applications11:21 Leveraging University Partnerships for Success15:16 Understanding Molten Salt Reactor Technology19:40 Safety Features of Molten Salt Reactors21:16 Modular Construction Benefits23:41 Fuel Supply and Regulatory Engagement28:05 Exploring Market Opportunities and Applications35:35 Conclusion and Future OutlookThis podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear PowerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower

Host Jim Howe speaks with Dominique Cooper, a passionate advocate for nuclear energy and its skilled workforce. They discuss the importance of nuclear in producing clean energy, the need for a trained workforce to support the industry's growth, and the diverse career opportunities available in nuclear. Dominique emphasizes the significance of community engagement and transparency in building trust around nuclear projects, as well as the role of nuclear in national security and space exploration. The conversation highlights the urgency of investing in education and training to inspire the next generation of nuclear professionals.Dominique is a mission-driven strategist and connector working at the intersection of national security, nuclear innovation, and space technology. As founder of Mission Evangelists and partner at Partners in Air and Space, she helps organizations align tech, people, and purpose for maximum impact. With nearly 20 years of experience across the DoD, Intelligence Community, nuclear industry, Silicon Valley, and commercial space sector—including leadership roles at Maxar and NGA—Dominique turns complex challenges into clear missions. A professional speaker and former TV personality, she’s known for making bold ideas feel personal, actionable, and inspiring.This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear PowerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower

Jake Jurewicz, CEO and co-founder of Blue Energy, brings a wealth of experience from the energy sector. He discusses innovative strategies to revolutionize nuclear power, including cost-efficient construction and modular plant design. Jurewicz shares insights on engaging with regulatory bodies and the importance of safety in new designs. He highlights a novel financing model geared towards high-demand sectors, emphasizing execution as a key factor in nuclear project success. The conversation unveils exciting opportunities for nuclear energy on a global scale.

Marc Nichol, Executive Director of New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute, shares his insights on advanced nuclear technologies. He reveals how these innovations go beyond electricity production, playing crucial roles in healthcare and space propulsion. Marc emphasizes the importance of safety features, the urgent need for reliable energy sources to support AI and data centers, and the collaborative efforts necessary to overcome challenges in the advanced reactor landscape. His passion for nuclear energy shines as he highlights its potential for a sustainable future.

In this inaugural episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe and guest Lucian Niemeyer discuss the critical role of advanced nuclear technologies in securing America's energy future. They explore the challenges facing energy production, the military's perspective on nuclear power, and the importance of government leadership in advancing nuclear strategies. The conversation also delves into the implications of artificial intelligence on energy needs, the necessity of a national nuclear strategy, and the revival of the nuclear fuel supply chain. Lucian emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to meet the growing demand for reliable energy.