Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

In this episode we discuss... Nicholas' background in computer science and his introduction to nuclear through the Navy Nicholas' work as a reactor engineer at Calvert Cliffs An electrician's responsibilities on a Navy submarine Variables and strategies for planning where fuel is deployed and how often The Exelon-Constellation merger Power maneuvers and what prompts them A deep dive into peaking factors Additions and dilutions of boron for ongoing reactor maintenance The role and focus of PWR Nuclear advocacy in the community and improving public awareness and perception

In this episode we discuss... Dougherty's background and what led him to the nuclear field A deep dive into the process of taking a submarine reactor critical for the first time Primary, secondary, and electrical subsystems Reactor coolant systems and the role of the relief valve Part 21 process to alert others of a defect or issue with a particular part in a production batch Environmental harmony of nuclear compared to fossil fuel production System future-proofing and general practices of preventive maintenance during outages Shift handoffs and operational flow of activity at a nuclear site How operational rigor of nuclear industry is being used to set best practices in other industries The importance of cross-functional input in making operational decision

In this episode we discuss... Mark's background and family history in the nuclear field Mark's work as Site Vice President at Calvert Cliffs The origin and evolution of PRA (Probabilistic Risk Assessment) Differences between two-loop combustion reactors and two-loop Westinghouse reactors Commonalities in auxiliary systems between pressurized water and boiling water reactors Common challenges that occur in everyday plant operations Advantages and considerations around building power plants near natural water sources Fostering a culture of open dialogue and inclusion within the plant Strategies for lengthening time between outages and shortening overall outage time Regulation and deregulation within the nuclear industry Improving cost efficiency of nuclear power

In this episode we discuss... Bret's background in robotics and his first company Airphrame, an unmanned aerial imaging service Bret's interest in climate and energy and how he came to enter the nuclear industry Stewart Brand's Whole Earth Discipline Dwight Eisenhower's important role in setting the tone for nuclear energy Titans of Nuclear and Bret's mission to positively shape public perception surrounding nuclear technology A behind the scenes look at Titans of Nuclear and the experts Bret interviews How nuclear politics, economics, and perspectives vary around the world The International Atomic Energy Agency and its role in guiding prospective nuclear countries Nuclear's incredible energy density and lack of emissions compared to other energy sources Ways we can make nuclear more accessible and how Bret works to do that with Titans of Nuclear The benefits of healthy competition in the nuclear world The future of Titans of Nuclear and how Bret aims to help the nuclear industry through the podcast and other entrepreneurial avenues

In this episode we discuss... Gary's background in mechanical engineering and personal journey through the nuclear field Gary's work as president and CEO at Areva and his leadership approach and vision for Framatome Framatome's legacy of innovation and its commitment to future technology Framatome's partnership with LightBridge Challenges and opportunities within digital INC innovation Economics of maintaining and extending life of existing nuclear plants Innovation in fuel technology, maintenance tools, and new reactor technology Educating policymakers on advantages of nuclear China's trajectory in the nuclear space The global importance of nuclear energy and Framatome's role in securing future nuclear success

In this episode we discuss... Curtis' education at VMI and personal journey through the nuclear industry What is a steam cut? Challenges of repairs in boronated water and other environments unique to nuclear plant machinery Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Ultrasonic Inspection (UT), and process for repair and replacement of nuclear components Periodic scheduling of inspections for maintenance Moving from need-based to predictive maintenance Peening and other techniques for stress relief Economic challenges of building new plants Upgrades and improvements provided during component replacement Extending coping time for the next generation of innovation

In this episode we discuss... Craig's background in robotics and shock peening Cycle of production, refueling, and mechanical maintenance at nuclear plants Use of inspection probes and robotics in steam generator maintenance Trends in maintenance innovation over last few decades Causes of component degradation and solutions to limit/reduce Division of responsibilities and unique challenges in managing outages/refueling cycles Remaining challenges in plant maintenance to be addressed with new technology Innovation in plant maintenance dissemination throughout the industry Technologies on the horizon like high-pressure cavitation peening Dealing with inspection, regeneration, and replacement of aging plant materials

In this episode we discuss... Bob's personal journey in the nuclear industry Bob's work in Nuclear Fuel Commercial Operations at Framatome Different types of nuclear fuel design Switching out fuel type as a means of reducing enrichment Ways in which fuel is designed for the commercial sector Processes and procedures within a full-scale fuel fabrication facility Who are the commercial sector buyers of nuclear fuel? What types of new fuels are currently being developed and what needs prompted their conception? What do typical nuclear fuel contracts look like and how do they differ from other industries? Influence of cladding and temperature on the MHz limit A deep dive into the process behind getting new fuel approved

Kam Ghaffarian, Founder and CEO of X-Energy, shares his inspiring journey from Iran to engineering and his passion for nuclear energy. He discusses the development of Generation IV nuclear reactors and the challenges faced in the industry, including high costs. Ghaffarian emphasizes the environmental benefits of nuclear energy, like clean water through desalination. The conversation touches on the urgency of sustainable energy solutions and the transformative impact of education in humanitarian efforts, showcasing how both fields intersect in his mission.

In this episode we discuss... Ron's background growing up in Israel and entering the nuclear field via the study of medicine Ron's work as Director of Business Development at General Atomic IAEA demonstration of desalination process at Kazakhstan plant Different techniques for desalination Armenian nuclear history and safety concerns Role of technical advisors and detailees across National Security Council and U.S. government committees. Nuclear waste management and disposal VSMRs / Micro Reactors and other niche nuclear products and solutions Impact of silicone carbide for cladding A deep dive into the EMC2 project Innovation projects within General Atomics General Atomic's contributions as a government defense contractor