Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

In this episode we discuss... An overview of Exelon Generation's developmental history and successful expansion across the US A glimpse into Hanson's upbringing throughout his childhood and academic pursuits in nuclear engineering in Madison, Wisconsin Hanson's experiences in his first position as a nuclear engineer with the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, and his professional climb towards his current position as Chief Nuclear Officer Hanson's optimism for educating public opinion on the science of nuclear engineering and it's minimal effects on the environment The development of worldwide standards of excellence in nuclear engineering thanks to the US Nuclear Fleet, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators, and the World Association of Nuclear Operators Hanson's leadership strategy as Chief Nuclear Officer at Exelon Generation, as well as new initiatives for the future of nuclear engineering

In this episode we discuss... Why nuclear power was important to building South Korea's economy How standardizing nuclear reactor development led to the success of the OPR and APR-1400 reactors Why South Korea's partnership with ABB-Combustion Engineering has been so successful How South Korea is helping the United Arab Emirates develop their own nuclear power plan Why uniting utilities under one umbrella might be the best way to cut costs in the nuclear power industry How South Korea is helping Kenya develop into a medium-level industrialized nation by 2030

In this episode we discuss... Gerry's research and involvement in tissue banking and molecular pathology during the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster The studies and effects of thyroid cancer based on age, environment, and adequate research & evidence Being a pro-nuclear scientist in the scientific community The common misconceptions about nuclear energy and it's risk factors Gerry's involvement in the Chernobyl Tissue Bank and how that research paved the way for the work of the Imperial Tissue Bank today How the Imperial Tissue Bank's epidemiology studies can be used to effectively change policy on nuclear energy

In this episode we discuss... Michael Reichenberger's entrance into the nuclear industry as a mechanical engineer How fission detectors measure neutrons in nuclear reactors The design, development, and deployment of Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors in a test reactor Advantages of the Advanced Test Reactor for nuclear fuels and materials testing Benefits of real-time sensors in test reactors and how they impact development of commercial reactors The potential value of real-time sensors in the operation of advanced reactor designs

In this episode we discuss... Neal's role at the Nuclear Energy Institute and what nuclear energy has to offer to society The importance of having advocates for nuclear energy that communicate the benefits of nuclear energy How to overcome the general public's concerns about nuclear power through education New technologies being used in old power plants to improve efficiency, production, and safety The economics of exporting nuclear power and why the United States wants to lead this movement The importance of established nuclear energy as a base load power source to support renewable energy How early education about nuclear power can influence public perception about the industry and its technology A call to action for cooperation between generations to work towards a future without global warming through the use of nuclear technologies

In this episode we discuss... Technical challenges of scaling up high temperature nuclear power plant designs The relationship between nuclear power generation efficiency and reaction temperature The effects of oxidation and carbonization on turbine blades in different nuclear reactors How nuclear reactor designs plan for long-term material degradation in critical components Modern methods of analyzing effects of radiation on metal alloys How the impacts of neutrons on metal lattice structures drive material design Performance criteria for critical components of nuclear plant materials How today's nuclear industry is reinvesting in nuclear-related education and research

In this episode we discuss... Why water is the best coolant in any reactor Why molten salt reactors (MSRs) are a safeguard's nightmare How molten salt reactors differ from lightwater reactors Why the Experimental Breeder Reactor II would be the best fuel reprocessing solution How nuclear energy can stop climate change in its tracks Why the mass production of nuclear reactors is the only way to solve China's energy demands

In this episode we discuss: What a nuclear fuel cycle is and how it is analyzed How a surplus of enriched uranium impacts nuclear fuel prices The connection between high enrichment nuclear fuel and inherent safety features How negative temperature coefficients affect nuclear heat transfer Computational tools for analyzing the nuclear fuel life cycle and transfer methods Costs and benefits of nuclear waste reprocessing and how nations manage it Long term safety considerations for nuclear waste disposal of different isotopes Competitive advantages of nuclear energy and its impact on computational science

In this episode we discuss... Utility-owned design and construction of nuclear reactors The impact of constructability in innovative nuclear reactor designs Challenges of the V.C. Summer nuclear project How to turn nuclear design mistakes into lessons learned for the future Financial challenges of new nuclear technology development, like mPower How generalizing small modular reactor designs affect cost and schedule Differences between nuclear industry visions and realistic expectations for production Opportunity cost benefits of nuclear energy that provide an all-around energy solution

In this episode we discuss... How Paula Maguire worked her way up to become a training manager for Ontario Power Generation The purpose and structure of a utility training organization How collaboration between utility stations can impact a plant's operations and the nuclear industry as a whole How to inspire your utility workforce and maximize their value at the station The importance of leadership in a highly technical field such as nuclear energy The purpose of operational safety analyses and how they differ across the globe The impact of transparency and open communication in the nuclear industry