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Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch IV, Founder of Confio Group about "The need for industry to tell their story - human connection". The conversation revolves around the Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, and the PowerGen conference in San Antonio. Scott celebrates industry professionals and discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership and communication to attract talent. Joe Patch, a guest, highlights the growing interest in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), and the challenges of regulatory approval and workforce shortages, particularly the need for 1 million engineers in the next 5 years. They also discuss the role of AI in enhancing efficiency but stress the importance of maintaining authentic human connection in business. Joe's son, interested in engineering, is also mentioned. Outline PowerGen San Antonio and Conference Highlights Scott introduces the podcast, Industrial Talk, and highlights the importance of the propane Education and Research Council in advancing cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy technology.Scott welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and encouraging them to attend PowerGen San Antonio.Scott, Joe Patch, expresses his positive experience at the conference, noting the increased floor plan and buzz compared to the previous year. Gas Market and Nuclear Energy Discussions Joe mentions the high demand for gas turbines and transformers, with lead times extending up to three years.Joe discusses the importance of data centers in driving the current market trends and the role of nuclear energy.Scott and Joe talk about the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt technologies.Joe highlights the involvement of companies like Meta in supporting nuclear energy projects. Challenges in Nuclear Energy and Regulatory Hurdles Scott and Joe discuss the regulatory challenges and the need for faster licensing processes for new nuclear projects.Joe explains the differences between traditional large-scale nuclear projects and SMRs, suggesting that SMRs may face fewer regulatory hurdles.Scott and Joe discuss the political and interconnection challenges in the energy sector, emphasizing the complexity of the regulatory environment.Scott highlights the need for modernizing the grid and the challenges of gaining public acceptance for new infrastructure projects. Workforce Shortages and the Importance of Authentic Connection Joe discusses the significant workforce shortages in the energy sector, particularly the need for more engineers and electricians.Scott emphasizes the importance of companies telling their story and creating authentic connections to attract young talent.Joe shares his company's approach to capturing CEO visions in video interviews to attract top talent.Scott and Joe agree on the value of authentic leadership and the competitive advantage it provides in attracting talent. The Role of AI in the Energy Sector Speaker 3 discusses the potential benefits of AI in improving efficiencies and scaling operations for smaller companies.Scott and Speaker 3 agree that AI should not replace the authentic voice and human connection in leadership and communication.Scott shares his concerns about the potential atrophy of critical thinking skills if companies rely too heavily on AI for routine tasks.Speaker 3 emphasizes the importance of maintaining human skills and connections to stay competitive in the energy...
TCU's energy internship program is back for round two and the results are kind of wild. What started as a summer experiment with business students who knew zero about oil and gas turned into kids giving no-notes presentations on legacy well economics in just ten weeks. Nikki Morris, Executive Director of TCU's Ralph Lowe Energy Institute, and Ryan Haggerty, Owner at RHR Oil and Gas, break down the field trips from Diamondback frac sites to 70 year old vertical wells, how AI is changing the game for young talent but still can't replace the crusty old timer making the final call, and why the industry's biggest problem with 150,000 orphan wells in Texas might need a proactive solution before Washington forces one.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io0:00 Intro and field trip recap from Riot's bitcoin mining site to Corsicana2:45 First impressions of the oilfield and the stiletto boots story5:22 How students connected the dots seeing wells in person8:21 Why basic energy education is missing from schools10:30 Overview of TCU's energy programs and student workers13:00 How Ryan and Nikki connected through the Fort Worth chamber17:32 AI vs tribal knowledge and the great crew change debate19:07 The HEB data scientist story that shocked an operator21:48 Ryan's legacy well project and what the students discovered25:14 The pyramid of problem solving and where AI fits28:40 What's next for the students and the upcoming TCU Energy Symposium30:52 Nuclear energy gaining traction with SMRs and molten salt reactors34:02 The orphan well crisis and incentivizing proactive plugging37:28 Where to find Ryan and Nikkihttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. 01 Introduction This episode is the seventh in an 8 part series on nuclear reactor technology. In this episode we will describe a topic which has been in the news in recent years, which is "small modular reactors", or SMRs for short. 03 What is an SMR? Basic Definition A small modular reactor is a nuclear reactor that is designed to be largely built in a factory and subject to as little on-site assembly as possible. The main goal is to lower costs by reducing construction times and allowing a more rapid start of return on investment. 04 Sized Based Definition Some people put a numerical size limit on SMRs, saying that they must be no larger than 300 MW to qualify as an SMR. However this limit is not universally accepted, and not all SMR designs fall within this arbitrary limit. I will ignore this numerical limit and just consider anything to be an SMR if it meets the criteria of being largely built in a factory with minimal on-site assembly. 05 The Actual Goal of the SMR Idea The actual goal of the SMR idea is to build reactors rapidly and efficiently on more or less an assembly line basis rather than hand crafting each one. One engineer in the nuclear industry has compared building reactors to building ships. Traditional shipbuilding techniques involved assembling each ship from the keel up on the slipways from individual components. 06 Newer shipbuilding techniques assemble ships as separate "blocks" inside factory-like buildings and then join completed blocks together in a final assembly stage. This requires careful planning and tight quality control, but it results in building ships much more rapidly and economically. This engineer said that SMRs are attempting to bring this newer way of doing things to the nuclear reactor industry as well. 07 SMR Categories - Small Versus Micro 08 Small SMRs 09 Small SMRs and Small Grids 10 Micro SMRs for Micro Loads 13 Micro SMRs for Large Industry 14 SMRs to Power Data Centres 15 What's This Nonsense About "Micro Small Modular Reactor" You Ask? 17 Small Reactors and Modular Reactors That Are Not SMRs 20 Standard Versus Proprietary Fuel 23 Where SMRs are Currently Being Built 24 HTR-PM in China 28 Repurposed Ship Reactors in Russia 31 300 MW BWR in Canada 33 470 MW PWR in UK 35 25 MW PWR in Argentina 37 Various Experimental SMRs 38 Modular Large Reactors 40 Conclusion SMRs are a new trend in nuclear reactor design. However, they are really two different things which fill two different needs. One style is intended to adopt designs which allow for more rapid construction with more of the work being done in the factory and less on the construction site, with the overall goal of reducing costs. The other style is to provide very small reactors to power remote communities and mines, or to provide process heat to large industries. The first SMRs are in operation or under construction. The most promising grid scale designs at present are simply scaled down and simplified conventional designs that use standard commercial fuel. Larger reactors will incorporate modular construction techniques, blurring the lines between them and SMRs. In the next episode we will talk about future reactor technologies, particularly what are referred to as "Generation IV" reactors. Provide feedback on this episode.
In the February 2026 edition of the Proximo In-Depth Podcast, Ben Kara spoke with Jake Jurewicz, co-founder and CEO of Blue Energy, about the challenges and opportunities in financing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
In this episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec talks with uranium analyst Justin Huhn and mining and commodities commentator Trevor Hall of the Going Nuclear podcast about why uranium and nuclear power may be the most compelling long-term solution for clean baseload energy. They dig into the current uranium bull market, how AI and data centers are driving a step-change in electricity demand, what makes the uranium supply–demand setup unique versus oil and gas, and why life extensions of existing reactors matter so much. The discussion also takes its course exploring the future of SMRs and advanced reactors, the realities of nuclear safety and waste, the role of geopolitics and utilities, and what could propel the next major move in uranium prices. SEND IT!Chapters:00:00-01:06= Intro01:07-09:33= Why Nuclear Now? The Case for Clean Baseload Power, AI Demand, and the Uranium Supply Squeeze09:34-18:37 = Uranium as a Commodity: Mining, Supply Risks, Financial Players, and Long-Cycle Price Dynamics18:38-28:50= Nuclear Safety, Waste Myths, and Why Fossil Fuels Funded Anti-Nuclear Fear28:51-39:59= SMRs, Advanced Reactor Designs, and the Costly Lesson of Vogtle40:00-50:20= SMRs, Military Reactors, and the High Stakes of Building New Nuclear50:21-57:09= Politics, Big Projects, and How Data Centers Are Driving an Energy Crunch57:10-1:03:50= Hyperscalers, Fuel Security, and the Next Uranium ShockFrom the episode:Going Nuclear podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-nuclear-with-justin-huhn-and-trevor-hall/id1660633132Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QAKNtCsXExOBKV8y6cwCuFollow along with Trevor and Justin on LinkedIn, check them out on Twitter/X: @TrevAHall / @uraniuminsider, and be sure to visit https://clearcommodity.net/ and https://www.uraniuminsider.com/ for more information!Don't forget to subscribe toThe Derivative, follow us on Twitter at@rcmAlts and our host Jeff at@AttainCap2, orLinkedIn , andFacebook, andsign-up for our blog digest.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visitwww.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer
Jake Jurewicz, co-founder and CEO of Blue Energy, discusses the innovative approaches his company is taking to address the challenges of nuclear energy development. He emphasizes the importance of financing, prefabrication, and strategic partnerships in making nuclear power more viable and attractive to investors. The discussion also touches on the transition from gas to nuclear, site selection for small modular reactors (SMRs), and the regulatory environment affecting the industry. Jurewicz expresses optimism about the future of nuclear energy and the potential for a renaissance in the sector as demand for clean energy continues to grow.
You will not want to miss this episode of the Energy Impacts Podcast with David Blackmon and his special guest, Tom Holm, Executive Director for the Energy Defense Council. We will be covering significant changes underway in the nuclear industry and how they will be implemented. The main topics discussed in this Podcast are:1. The role and work of the Energy Defense Council (EDC), an organization focused on improving energy resilience and energy dominance for the U.S. military. Tom Holm, the executive director of EDC, explains how the organization was founded and its key objectives.2. The challenges faced by military bases in terms of energy supply and reliability, including issues like rolling blackouts. Holm discusses how EDC is working to address these problems.3. The potential use of micro-nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide power for military bases. Holm explains the benefits of this technology and the efforts to accelerate its deployment on military installations.4. The need to rebuild and re-industrialize America's manufacturing capabilities, especially for critical components and materials required for energy technologies and national defense. Holm emphasizes the importance of reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.5. The changes in the current administration's approach, including executive orders and new funding mechanisms, that are enabling faster development and deployment of energy solutions for the military. Holm highlights the increased sense of urgency and willingness to take non-traditional approaches.6. The role of the Tevcon conference, organized by EDC, which brings together military leaders, government officials, and industry innovators to identify challenges and solutions related to energy, vehicles, and other technologies for the military.Connect with Tom on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-holm-43a952263/Check out David's Substack here: https://blackmon.substack.com/
Stocks for Beginners and Tykr proudly present "Weekend Watchlist". We dissect a company using Tykr's risk rating and fair value analysis process. Learn how to avoid emotional mistakes, choose investments with a rationale, and build wealth with confidence. Get your free trial and special discount offer. Join Tykr today and take advantage of this special offer of 30% off with coupon code SAVE30. See for yourself why Tykr is the essential tool for every serious DIY share investor. 14-day free trial included, then a no-quibble 30-day money back guarantee: Get your free trial and special discount offer. Is NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR) a smart nuclear stock pick for 2026 or just hype? In this beginner-friendly Weekend Watchlist episode, we dissect SMR – the leader in small modular reactors (SMRs) – its NRC-certified tech, engineering revenue, and why it's burning cash while scaling up. It's a catalyst play but are you ready for the possible downside risk? Disclosure: The links provided are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase. You will receive a discount by using these links/coupon codes. I only recommend products and services that I use and trust myself or where I have interviewed and/or met the founders and have assured myself that they're offering something of value. Stocks for Beginners is a production of Finpods Pty Ltd. The advice shared on Stocks for Beginners is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Opinions expressed by guests are theirs alone and may not represent the views of Finpods, Money Sherpa, or Phil Muscatello. Stocks for Beginners exists purely for educational and entertainment purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD, and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Philip Muscatello and Finpods Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shares for Beginners and Tykr proudly present "Weekend Watchlist". We dissect a company using Tykr's risk rating and fair value analysis process. Learn how to avoid emotional mistakes, choose investments with a rationale, and build wealth with confidence. Get your free trial and special discount offer. Join Tykr today and take advantage of this special offer of 30% off with coupon code SAVE30. See for yourself why Tykr is the essential tool for every serious DIY share investor. 14-day free trial included, then a no-quibble 30-day money back guarantee: Get your free trial and special discount offer. Is NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR) a smart nuclear stock pick for 2026 or just hype? In this beginner-friendly Weekend Watchlist episode, we dissect SMR – the leader in small modular reactors (SMRs) – its NRC-certified tech, engineering revenue, and why it's burning cash while scaling up. It's a catalyst play but are you ready for the possible downside risk? Disclosure: The links provided are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase. You will receive a discount by using these links/coupon codes. I only recommend products and services that I use and trust myself or where I have interviewed and/or met the founders and have assured myself that they're offering something of value. Shares for Beginners is a production of Finpods Pty Ltd. The advice shared on Shares for Beginners is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Opinions expressed by guests are theirs alone and may not represent the views of Finpods, Money Sherpa, or Phil Muscatello. Shares for Beginners exists purely for educational and entertainment purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD, and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Philip Muscatello and Finpods Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man kann es gut finden oder auch nicht, Fakt ist: Geht es nach den Hyperscalern Meta, Amazon, Google und Microsoft, dann wird AI ab etwa 2030 zu großen Teilen von Atomkraft angetrieben. Die AI Talk Hosts Jakob Steinschaden (Trending Topics, newsrooms) und Clemens Wasner (enliteAI, AI Austria) diskutieren im Podcast, warum das so ist - die Themen:⚡ Energiekrise der KI: Trainingsleistung verdoppelt sich alle sechs Monate – von GPT-3 mit unter 10 Megawatt bis zu künftigen Modellen mit einem Gigawatt und mehr
The Space Show presents Bob Zimmerman, Tuesday, 1-20-26Quick SummaryWe started this Space Show program with Bob Zimmerman with discussions about space exploration policies, private industry involvement, and the current state of various space companies, including ULA and Blue Origin, along with a brief mention of Robert's book “Conscious Choice.”Detailed SummaryBob and David discussed the potential impact of a space program incident with Artemis, comparing it to past accidents and suggesting it could lead to a significant overhaul of NASA's programs. The conversation touched on the Artemis flight and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Bob opened up referring to his Op-Ed in which he criticized the press coverage of NASA's Artemis II mission, accusing journalists of being overly positive without addressing engineering concerns. He expressed concerns about the mission's safety, particularly regarding the untested life support system and the damaged heat shield, which NASA has only partially addressed by adjusting the flight path. Zimmerman compared the situation to SpaceX's more rigorous testing requirements for its Crew Dragon capsule, highlighting NASA's double standard in demanding multiple uncrewed test flights from commercial partners but not from its own SLS rocket.Bob also expressed concerns about NASA's decision to proceed with the Artemis II mission, citing inadequate testing and a culture that prioritizes schedule over engineering safety. He highlighted that the mission lacks critical testing, such as a heat shield test using Falcon Heavy, and criticized NASA's management for not standing up to political pressure to achieve a lunar landing before the current administration's term ends. Marshall suggested using an alternative method to test the heat shield, but Bob explained that NASA had already lost valuable time and was planning to use a different design for the next mission. Several in the group agreed that the Artemis II mission, while potentially successful, could be counterproductive by allowing NASA to continue misleading the public about the program's readiness.Next, Bob went after the Senate launch system as poorly managed and equipment-poor, noting that Congress created the rocket without a clear mission, which NASA is now struggling to define. He expressed more concerns about the Orion heat shield's untested design and emphasized the importance of fixing problems rather than working around them, especially when human lives are at stake. Phil suggested that sophisticated simulations could reduce the number of flights needed, but Robert argued that ultimately, hardware must be tested in real-world conditions. David pointed out that NASA's statements indicate they plan to use a new heat shield design in a future mission, which Phil initially criticized but Bob defended as a necessary step, albeit one that should have been tested beforehand.The Wisdom Team discussed concerns about NASA's approach to the Orion and SLS mission, with Bob being critical of NASA's management and politicians for prioritizing cost savings over safety by reusing shuttle parts. Dallas and Joe expressed skepticism about the mission's cost-effectiveness and engineering decisions, while David emphasized the need for Congress to question NASA's choices. The discussion highlighted the tension between political pressures and engineering realities in space exploration, with no clear solutions proposed by the end of the meeting.Bob went on expressing skepticism about NASA's Artemis program and the Space Launch System (SLS), arguing that the real space program in the United States is currently led by SpaceX. He criticized the Artemis mission as trivial and not historically significant, advocating instead for fostering a robust American private industry in low Earth orbit and beyond. Dr. Kothari questioned Bob's views, particularly regarding his recent op-ed, and discussed the potential dangers of the Artemis II mission. They also touched on alternative testing methods for the Orion spacecraft and the need for infrastructure development on the Moon.The Wisdom Team discussed the role of government and private enterprise in space exploration, with Bob emphasizing the importance of competition and innovation among various American space companies. Phil argued that NASA's leadership is crucial for guiding private industry and managing risks, while Bob suggested that NASA should set goals and provide a framework for private companies to achieve them without micromanaging the process. Joe noted that the Artemis Accords might be the most enduring legacy of the Artemis program.The tem discussed the Artemis Accords, which Bob explained were initially introduced by the Trump administration as a way to encourage private enterprise in space and potentially lead to changes in the Outer Space Treaty that prohibits property rights. Joe noted that Portugal had recently joined the Accords, bringing the total to 60 nations, with many post-Soviet countries participating. Phil suggested that allowing property rights in space could help redirect expansionist leaders' attention from Earth to space exploration, while Bob agreed with this approach and proposed establishing international rules similar to the Homestead Act to allow nations to claim territory under specific conditions.Bob discussed the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's aging issues, noting an increase in anomalies and color dropouts due to the camera's degradation. Alfred McEwen explained that the problem is being managed by adjusting the camera's temperature, but more funding is needed for calibration. Robert highlighted the orbiter's importance in revealing Mars' icy nature and its potential for future human settlement. The group also discussed private and government missions to Venus, including Rocket Lab's delayed mission, NASA's canceled missions, and India's planned Venus orbiter. Phil mentioned China's proposed Venus Volcano Imaging and Climate Explorer mission, though its launch details remain unclear.The group discussed current and future planetary missions, with Bob noting that NASA's Venus missions are on hold and the U.S. has limited active planetary exploration compared to other countries. They explored Blue Origin's potential to increase competition in space travel, with Bob expressing hope that under new CEO David Limp's leadership, the company could become more competitive with SpaceX. The discussion also covered Blue Origin's orbital reef project, which our guest described as currently inactive, and Marshall inquired about cost reduction goals in space travel, to which Bob and Phil noted that while Blue Origin's David Limp has mentioned reducing costs by two orders of magnitude, no company has yet achieved even a one-order reduction.The group discussed the potential for terrestrial nuclear power plants, noting that while there is growing demand due to AI data centers, there remains significant public resistance. Bob expressed concerns about the “delusional” enthusiasm for AI, particularly in journalism where AI-generated articles are often inaccurate and inappropriate. The conversation shifted to space industry developments, with Ajay discussing small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation 4 reactors that could serve both propulsion and energy needs. The discussion concluded with Bob emphasizing the need for multiple space companies beyond SpaceX, highlighting the importance of competition and redundancy in the industry.As we were nearing the end of the discussion, we focused on the current state and future of ULA, with Bob noting that while ULA has significant contracts with Amazon and Boeing, its Vulcan rocket lacks reusability and may struggle to compete with emerging reusable rockets like Starship and Neutron. The team discussed the leadership changes at ULA, with an interim leader appointed but no permanent replacement named yet. The conversation concluded with a plug for Bob's book “Conscious Choice” which explores the origins of slavery in Virginia and its relevance to space exploration, with David and Phil confirming they had read the book and found it informative.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4491 Zoom Dr. Antonio Del Popolo | Friday 23 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr/. Antonio Del PopoloZoom: Dr. Popolo talks about hs new booik, “Extraterrestrial Life: We are not alone.”Broadcast 4492 Zoom Dr. Ajay Kothari | Sunday 25 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Ajay KothariZoom Dr. Kothari on “MUCH NEEDED CARGO TO MOON” Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
On today's episode, we discuss Trump's post-Davos push for Greenland, his creation of the elite “Board of Peace” club, and how these moves aim to reshape NATO, the UN, and global power structures. The crew debates whether the Board of Peace is a dangerous billionaire Illuminati-style project or simply a more transparent replacement for today's shadowy “blob” of global elites who already influence policy. They unpack Trump's Greenland negotiations, explaining how tariff threats and security leverage are being used to obtain permanent U.S. “sovereign clumps” of territory on the island, similar to Guantánamo Bay but without paying rent. The conversation revisits Don Lemon and the Minnesota church protest, drawing parallels to FACE Act prosecutions of pro-life activists and raising concerns about unequal enforcement and physical security in houses of worship. In the technology segment, they cover small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a safer, “walk-away safe” alternative to large plants, Trump's criticism of Chinese-made wind farms, and the argument that nuclear must anchor any serious energy transition. They also compare EV road-tripping in Teslas versus gas cars, noting route-planning constraints and extra time from detouring to chargers, even as autonomy improves and could make charging stops more tolerable. Finally, they discuss productivity tools like Microsoft Loop and new AI features baked into Windows, weighing collaboration benefits against performance hits and the emerging ability for IT admins to strip unwanted AI components from corporate machines. Don't miss it!
Afgelopen week was in Den Haag een meerdaagse internationale SMR-conferentie. De kleine modulaire kernreactor heeft al enige tijd de wind vól in de zeilen. De doorbraak lijkt dan ook aanstaande. Maar, is al dat enthousiasme ook terecht? Waar staat de SMR precies, tussen hype en haalbaarheid? Ik vraag het Floriske Deutman, organisator van de conferentie en voorzitter van de Stichting Energietransitie en Kernenergie (SEK).
In this episode of Plugged In, host Chuck Hanna welcomes Brian Smith, Director of Nuclear Reactor Development at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), for a wide-ranging conversation on the role of advanced nuclear in meeting growing energy demand. Drawing on Smith's career across the U.S. Navy, Department of Energy and now INL, they explore why nuclear is both a current backbone of the U.S. grid and a critical solution for the future. They cover how small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors are expanding nuclear's use cases, from grid-scale power to remote communities and data centers, along with INL's role in de-risking, piloting and accelerating commercialization through partnerships with private industry. Smith also shares insights on grid resilience, cybersecurity, federal-industry collaboration and why “nuclear now” is an essential part of delivering reliable, low-carbon energy at scale. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Advanced nuclear technologies and their evolving role (03:13) Use cases for SMRs beyond the grid (04:33) How INL supports commercialization (06:24) How SMR use cases are shifting (09:28) Data centers, AI load growth, and the demand for reliable power (11:40) Bridging the “valley of death” between research and commercialization (14:30) INL's role in energy and infrastructure security (19:11) Why nuclear is a “now” solution (22:43) For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Brian Smith On LinkedIn Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions. Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio. If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com.
Investing in Bizarro World Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIAfIjKxr02sAztzlJNy1ug5bDvTVZkME&si=w2d_EF-B5jMo1dYD Subscribe to Investing In Bizarro World: @bizarroworld Macro Musings - The episode opened with a look back at a strong 2025 and an even more bullish setup for 2026. Gold is holding firmly around $4,200 with strong underlying support near $4,100 — and could correct all the way to $3,600 and still be in a powerful bull market. Silver recently kissed $59 and is consolidating near $57–$58, with a “six handle” (above $60) in the next 30–60 days seen as entirely realistic. Copper has been the standout mover during the brief podcast hiatus, breaking to fresh all-time highs. Near-term support is now above $5 per pound. A mix of Trump-era tariffs, a bifurcated market between COMEX and Asia, and ongoing supply disruptions (landslides, seismic issues, and guidance cuts at major producers) are colliding with rising demand from AI, data centers, EVs, and grid buildout. Structural deficits expected from 2026 onward are already being felt through premiums and negative treatment charges in Asia. On the macro front, the hosts emphasized the need to separate “the market” from “the economy.” Despite record Black Friday sales funded largely with credit and rising credit rejection rates, GDP remains solidly positive and inflation is hovering near 3%. Algorithms care about growth and inflation — not human hardship — and continued 3%+ growth with cooling inflation is expected to drive new highs in the S&P and Nasdaq into 2026.Market Takes - Uranium and lithium were highlighted as two of the most compelling value opportunities in the resource space right now. While gold, silver, and copper producers and developers have already made major moves, many uranium names — producers, near-term producers, and explorers — remain 20–40% below their 52-week highs. Even with spot prices around the mid-$70s and term/contract prices in the mid-$80s, the view is that uranium is still not high enough to incentivize sufficient Western supply, especially if the U.S. is serious about domestic mining, enrichment, SMRs, and nuclear on military bases. Nick and Gerardo contrasted countries like Germany — who shut down nuclear reactors and now pay roughly double France's power prices — with nations restarting reactors (Japan, Taiwan) and those doubling down on nuclear. The conclusion: the grid transition will require enormous amounts of both copper and uranium, and investors who quietly position now, while attention is elsewhere, stand to benefit. The broader equity market continues to be driven by flows into broad-based ETFs and retirement accounts every two weeks. Hedge funds now manage far less than ETFs, and the relentless buy-the-market behavior is being reinforced by new programs like the “Trump Accounts,” which will seed every newborn's investment account with capital funneled into broad index exposure. The message: you don't have to like the system, but you should understand it and position accordingly.Bizarro Banter - Politics and national security took a darker turn this episode. The discussion centered on the recent U.S. strike on a suspected drug boat near Venezuela and the subsequent “kill all” order on survivors — an action that appears to violate long-standing rules of engagement that explicitly protect unarmed shipwreck survivors. The Secretary of Defense's attempt to blame subordinates while claiming to have been “in the bathroom” during the key moment was called out as cowardly and demoralizing. This incident was juxtaposed with the administration's simultaneous full pardon of a former Honduran president convicted of importing 450 tons of cocaine into the U.S., along with other questionable pardons, including a massive financial fraudster whose restitution was effectively erased. All of this, combined with ICE tactics that increasingly target non-violent undocumented workers rather than hardened criminals, led to a broader critique of hypocrisy, selective enforcement, and creeping erosion of civil liberties. Despite the political frustration, the hosts reiterated that they remain “issue people,” willing to agree with figures as different as Rand Paul, Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, or Tucker Carlson when they're right on policy — and just as willing to call them out when they're wrong.Premium Portfolio Picks - For paid listeners only. Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/4pVLfNV0:00 Introduction4:41 Macro Musings: Look Back at 2025. Metals on the Move. Economy vs Stock Market.15:20 Market Takes: Uranium Fundamentals. Contrarian Lithium. Private Placement Intel.25:20 Bizarro Banter: Rules of Engagement. Government Drug Hypocrisy. Independent Political Thinking.45:16 Premium Portfolio Picks: Subscribe to Bizarro World Live to access: https://bit.ly/4pVLfNV
We kick off the Infrastructure Podcast for 2026 by talking about nuclear power and taking a close look at the much discussed - and much anticipated - small modular reactor programme being developed by Rolls Royce SMR.My guest today is Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR's Operations and Supply Chain Director, the person charged with turning this long-standing ambition into a deliverable reality. And having led the UK's hugely successful Covid Vaccine Task Force back in 2020/21 and worked on High Speed 2, Ruth is no stranger to a massive challenge.Certainly, delivering new nuclear in the UK is up there in the league table of major challenges. As the recent Fingleton Review put it, the sector is facing strategic failure at a moment of national importance. We are certainly at a moment of profound transition. The global energy system is under strain from rising prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and the urgent need to decarbonise. But it is also true that the UK government has responded with one of the most ambitious interventions in its energy history: major investment in Sizewell C, fusion research, and crucially, £2.5bn to accelerate the development and deployment of SMRs.And at the heart of this renewed ambition for a new “golden age of nuclear energy” is the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor programme - described as the UK's first domestic nuclear technology in more than twenty years and designed to provide stable, affordable, emission-free energy for at least six decades. Rolls-Royce SMR's approach uses factory-built modules, a standardised design, and a turnkey engineering, manufacture and assembly model which aims to reduce the cost and delivery challenges that have plagued traditional large-scale nuclear projects. And it has the go-ahead to deploy the first three SMRs at Wylfa in Anglesey.Each will capable of powering a million homes, with a design that is up to eighteen months ahead of any competitor in a European regulatory process. Which arguably means Rolls-Royce SMR now sits at the forefront of what could become one of the country's most significant green export industries and the key to thousands of new skilled jobs and longlasting local legacy.It's certainly an exciting moment - so let's hear moreResourcesRolls Royce SMRUK Government nuclear July announcement UK and Czechia to lead global race on small modular reactorsThe Fingleton ReviewAnnouncement for Wylfa site Ruth Todd CBE
In Episode 121, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso welcome Craig Singleton, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former US diplomat, to examine Taiwan's critical energy vulnerability and China's gray zone coercion strategies. Singleton, co-author of FDD's recent report “Maritime Protection of Taiwan's Energy Vulnerability,” reveals how Taiwan's mere 10-day supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) creates an Achilles heel Beijing could exploit without firing a shot - and why semiconductor supply chains, global economies, and US deterrence strategy all hang in the balance.Taiwan's Energy Crisis: 10 Days to DisasterTaiwan imports 90% of its energy, with over half arriving by sea as LNG from suppliers who may be susceptible to PRC coercion. Through extensive war gaming featuring participants from Taiwan's National Security Council, Japan, Australia and former Trump administration officials including Matt Pottinger, Singleton's team discovered Taiwan would face “Sophie's Choice” dilemmas within two weeks of a Chinese quarantine. The scenario revealed that energy companies would be pressured to comply with new and onerous requirements, while diplomatic pressure to reduce just one LNG shipment per week could trigger cascading blackouts and force Taiwan to choose between powering hospitals or semiconductor fabrication plants.Quarantine vs. Blockade: The Gray Zone AdvantageSingleton explains the critical distinction between blockades - which carry international legal consequences and can activate UN responses - and quarantines, which exist in “squishy” legal territory that China deliberately exploits. During war gaming, Singleton playing Xi Jinping accomplished every objective without triggering US red lines by characterizing aggressive actions as “safety inspections” and “counter-piracy operations,” language already familiar from South China Sea operations. This asymmetric approach keeps American responses in “off” mode while systematically degrading Taiwan's resilience through political warfare and disinformation campaigns.Semiconductor Leverage and Allied ResponseWhen Taiwan's war game participants announced they would cut power to TSMC to force international intervention, it represented a mic-drop moment - Taiwan exercising agency by threatening global semiconductor supply chains. The scenario exposed uncomfortable truths about allied commitment, with Japan able to weather the crisis due to substantial LNG reserves, while Australia's involvement remained uncertain despite AUKUS commitments. Singleton argues classic deterrence models map poorly onto gray zone operations, and reestablishing deterrence after allowing coercion to proceed requires “outsized” responses that current political will may not support.Solutions: From LNG Diversification to Nuclear ReactorsSingleton advocates for increased US LNG exports to Taiwan, enhanced energy storage through hardened mountain facilities and floating terminals, and reconsideration of small modular reactors (SMRs) at key government and military sites - potentially creating a deterrent effect against Chinese targeting due to nuclear fallout risks. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act's increase from $300 million to $1 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan represents progress, but energy resilience remains the critical vulnerability China will exploit.
With industrial power demand rising, can small modular reactors help anchor a cleaner, always‑on system that will support the incoming AI Data Centre boom? In this bonus episode of Disruptors, recorded live in Edmonton, host John Stackhouse speaks with Premier Danielle Smith about a practical path: SMRs alongside abated natural gas, hydro, and stronger interties—with Indigenous equity built in from day one. They dig into reliability needs, near‑term “bring‑your‑own‑power” models, how to finance nuclear in an energy‑only market, and what collaboration between provinces could unlock. Recorded live in Edmonton, Alberta, and convened by the SMR Forum in partnership with the Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors (CASMR). rbc.com/en/thought-leadership/ SMR Forum: https://smr-forum.caCASMR: https://canada-smr.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The AI race isn't about chips anymore. It's about electricity. In a massive $4.75 billion deal, Google (Alphabet) just acquired Intersect Power, a major clean energy developer, to secure the grid access its data centers desperately need.But Google isn't alone. From Microsoft restarting Three Mile Island to Amazon's massive nuclear contracts, Big Tech is panic-buying power plants.In this video, we break down why the "AI Energy Wall" is forcing tech giants to become utility companies, and what this means for the future of the power grid, nuclear energy, and your electric bill.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Intro: Bigtech Energy War0:44 – The Deal: Why Google Bought Intersect Power for $4.75B1:30 – The "Energy Wall": AI Power Consumption vs. The Grid2:01 – BigTech Energy Contracts in 20253:21 – Who Pays? The Impact on Consumers and InvestorsKEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Google's $4.75B Bet: Alphabet acquires Intersect Power to build "behind the meter" energy projects, bypassing the clogged public grid.✅ The Energy Crisis: AI queries use 10x more power than search. By 2030, US data centers will consume 9% of all electricity.✅ Nuclear Renaissance: Tech giants are single-handedly reviving nuclear power (SMRs & restarts) because they need 24/7 reliability that solar/wind can't provide.✅ Vertical Integration: Big Tech is now owning the entire stack: from the AI model to the chip to the power plant running it.SOURCES & DATA- Google Acquires Intersect Power ($4.75B Deal)- Microsoft Restarts Three Mile Island (Constellation Energy Deal)- Amazon Signs 1.9GW Nuclear Deal (Talen Energy)- Data Center Power Demand Forecast (Bain/Bloomberg)Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE MACRO INSIGHTSVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now.COMMENT BELOWIs Big Tech buying power plants a smart move or a dangerous monopoly? Let us know in the comments.#AI #Google #EnergyCrisis #NuclearPower #Investing #TechNews #Microsoft #Amazon #CleanEnergy #IntersectPower #MacroEconomics
Brian Shactman and Christopher Keating discussed the challenges of energy prices in Connecticut, with a focus on the nuclear option proposed by Governor Ned Lamont. Lamont is exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) due to their faster construction times compared to traditional nuclear plants. However, the process is complex and lengthy, with significant regulatory hurdles and public feedback required. Additionally, Keating highlighted the impending staffing crisis in the Connecticut State Police, with 174 troopers eligible to retire by 2027, posing a significant loss of experience and expertise.
In this Data Center Frontier Trends Summit 2025 session—moderated by Stu Dyer (CBRE) with panelists Aad den Elzen (Solar Turbines/Caterpillar), Creede Williams (Exigent Energy Partners), and Adam Michaelis (PointOne Data Centers)—the conversation centered on a hard truth of the AI buildout: power is now the limiting factor, and the grid isn't keeping pace. Dyer framed how quickly the market has escalated, from “big” 48MW campuses a decade ago to today's expectations of 500MW-to-gigawatt-scale capacity. With utility timelines stretched and interconnection uncertainty rising, the panel argued that natural gas has moved from taboo to toolkit—often the fastest route to firm power at meaningful scale. Williams, speaking from the IPP perspective, emphasized that speed-to-power requires firm fuel and financeable infrastructure, warning that “interruptible” gas or unclear supply economics can undermine both reliability and underwriting. Den Elzen noted that gas is already a proven solution across data center deployments, and in many cases is evolving from a “bridge” to a durable complement to the grid—especially when modular approaches improve resiliency and enable phased buildouts. Michaelis described how operators are building internal “power plant literacy,” hiring specialists and partnering with experienced power developers because data center teams can't assume they can self-perform generation projects. The panel also “de-mystified” key technology choices—reciprocating engines vs. turbines—as tradeoffs among lead time, footprint, ramp speed, fuel flexibility, efficiency, staffing, and long-term futureproofing. On AI-era operations, the group underscored that extreme load swings can't be handled by rotating generation alone, requiring system-level design with controls, batteries, capacitors, and close coordination with tenant load profiles. Audience questions pushed into public policy and perception: rate impacts, permitting, and the long-term mix of gas, grid, and emerging options like SMRs. The panel's consensus: behind-the-meter generation can help shield ratepayers from grid-upgrade costs, but permitting remains locally driven and politically sensitive—making industry communication and advocacy increasingly important. Bottom line: in the new data center reality, natural gas is here—often not as a perfect answer, but as the one that matches the industry's near-term demands for speed, scale, and firm power.
Solar, Storage, and Nuclear: The Next Clean Tech Wave Surging AI demand is creating volatility and speed-to-power challenges, while grid delays push onsite generation forward. Our Clean Tech Symposium highlighted a major shift in data center power strategies, with the percentage of facilities using onsite gas potentially doubling in the short term. But, its role as bridge vs. temporary depends on economics: transmission and distribution (T&D) spend >$100B annually and pricing trends closer to $6/MMBtu. Solar-plus-storage remains highly cost-competitive with battery prices down 40-50%, reinforcing its position in future portfolios. Nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) are progressing with faster timelines, though commercialization is years away and cost certainty remains low. Power availability is now shaping data center site selection, where Dimple sees solar + storage and nuclear as complementary long-term solutions. You may also enjoy listening to the Merrill Perspectives podcast, featuring conversations on the big stories, news and trends affecting your everyday financial life. "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
Recorded live at the 2025 Data Center Frontier Trends Summit in Reston, VA, this panel brings together leading voices from the utility, IPP, and data center worlds to tackle one of the defining issues of the AI era: power. Moderated by Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Economic Development for Loudoun County, the session features: Jeff Barber, VP Global Data Centers, Bloom Energy Bob Kinscherf, VP National Accounts, Constellation Stan Blackwell, Director, Data Center Practice, Dominion Energy Joel Jansen, SVP Regulated Commercial Operations, American Electric Power David McCall, VP of Innovation, QTS Data Centers Together they explore how hyperscale and AI workloads are stressing today's grid, why transmission has become the critical bottleneck, and how on-site and behind-the-meter solutions are evolving from “bridge power” into strategic infrastructure. The panel dives into the role of gas-fired generation and fuel cells, emerging options like SMRs and geothermal, the realities of demand response and curtailment, and what it will take to recruit the next generation of engineers into this rapidly changing ecosystem. If you want a grounded, candid look at how energy providers and data center operators are working together to unlock new capacity for AI campuses, this conversation is a must-listen.
This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. This episode is the first in an 8 part series on nuclear reactor technology. This is a politics free series and the focus is on the technology of the reactors. This series will focus on the civil nuclear industry, with a particular focus on electric power generation reactors. I will discuss the technology, what it is, how it works, and some of the pros and cons of different technologies, but I will try to avoid offering too many opinions on what is the best or worst of anything. Episode 1 will cover nuclear basics, including basic terminology and civil versus military nuclear material. Episode 2 will cover nuclear fuel, including the different types, recycling of spent fuel, uranium and thorium resources, and medical isotopes. Episode 3 will cover reactor basics, including slow versus fast reactors, moderators, coolants, steam generation, refuelling methods, and the three main commercial reactor types. Episode 4 will cover the less common reactor types, including types which are no longer used, some historical developmental dead ends, and some types which may possibly be making a come back. Episode 5 will cover fast reactors, including the different types, some of their history, why they were developed, and why they have so far only seen limited use. Episode 6 will cover thorium reactors, including what is thorium and how it differs from uranium, why there is interest in thorium, what sorts of reactors can use thorium, and why thorium has not yet seen widespread use. Episode 7 will cover small modular reactors or SMRs, what the reason is for developing them, what are the different ways they may be used, and where they are currently being built. Episode 8 will cover "Generator IV" reactors which is a collection of future technologies. 08 Isotopes 09 Isotopes of Uranium 10 Nuclear Fission 11 Half Life 12 Fissile versus Fertile 13 Enrichment of Isotopes 14 Civil Versus Military Nuclear Material 15 Uranium 16 Plutonium 18 Conclusion In the first episode of this series we have discussed what the series will cover, some of the basic nuclear physics terminology, and the differences between civil and military nuclear material. In the upcoming episodes we will discuss some of the basic engineering aspects of reactors, The various types of commercial reactors, including common and uncommon ones, nuclear fuel, including uranium, plutonium, and thorium, medical isotopes, small modular reactors, and the areas of research being conducted into new reactor technologies. In the next episode however we will cover types of nuclear fuel, recycling of nuclear fuel, uranium and thorium resources, and medical isotopes. This concludes the first episode of an 8 part series on nuclear reactor technology. Provide feedback on this episode.
The Data Center Boom: Five Trends Engineering Firms Need to Know The data center market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by artificial intelligence adoption and changing infrastructure demands. For ACEC member firms, this represents both a substantial business opportunity and a chance to shape critical national infrastructure. ACEC's latest Market Intelligence Brief reveals a market poised to reach $62 billion in design and construction spending by 2029, with implications that extend far beyond traditional data center engineering. The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 marked an inflection point. What began as voice assistants has evolved into sophisticated language learning models that consume dramatically more energy. A standard AI query uses about 0.012 kilowatt-hours, while generating a single high-quality image requires 2.0 kWh—roughly 20 times the daily consumption of a standard LED lightbulb. As weekly ChatGPT users surged from 100 million to 700 million between November 2023 and August 2025, the infrastructure implications became impossible to ignore. AI-driven data center power demand, which stood at just 4 gigawatts in 2024, is projected to reach 123 gigawatts by 2035. Even more striking: 70 percent of data center power demand will be driven by AI workloads. This explosive growth requires engineering solutions at unprecedented scale, from power distribution and backup systems to advanced cooling technologies and grid integration strategies. Public perception about data center water consumption often overlooks important nuances in cooling technology. While mechanical cooling systems have historically consumed significant water resources, newer approaches could dramatically reduce water use. Free air cooling, closed-loop systems, and liquid immersion technologies offer low-water use alternatives, with some methods reducing freshwater consumption by 70 percent or more compared to traditional systems. As Thom Jackson, mechanical engineer and partner at Dunham Engineering, notes: "Most data centers utilize closed loop cooling systems requiring no makeup water and minimal maintenance." The "big four" hyperscale operators—Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Meta—have all committed to becoming water-positive by 2030, replenishing more water than they consume. These commitments are driving innovation in cooling system design and creating opportunities for engineering firms with expertise in sustainable mechanical systems. The days of one-size-fits-all data centers are over. Latency requirements, scalability needs, and proximity to end users are accelerating adoption of diverse building types. Edge data centers bring computing closer to users for real-time applications like IoT and 5G. Hyperscale facilities support massive cloud and AI workloads with 100,000-plus servers. Colocation models enable scalable shared environments for enterprises, while modular designs—prefabricated with integrated power and cooling—offer rapid, cost-effective deployment. Each model presents distinct engineering challenges and opportunities, from specialized HVAC systems and high floor-to-ceiling ratios for hyperscale facilities to distributed infrastructure planning for edge networks. Two emerging trends deserve particular attention. First, the Department of Energy has selected four federal sites to host AI data centers paired with clean energy generation, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission anticipates at least 25 SMR license applications by 2029, signaling strong demand for nuclear co-location expertise. Second, developers are increasingly exploring adaptive reuse of underutilized office spaces, Brownfield sites, and historical buildings. These locations offer existing utility infrastructure that can reduce construction time and costs, making them attractive alternatives despite some design constraints. Recent federal policy changes are streamlining data center deployment. Executive Order 14318 directs agencies to accelerate environmental reviews and permitting, while revisions to New Source Review under the Clean Air Act could allow construction to begin before air permits are issued. ACEC recently formed the Data Center Task Force to advocate for policies that balance speed, affordability, and national security in data center development, complimenting EO 14318. For engineering firms, site selection expertise has become increasingly valuable. Success hinges on sales and use tax exemptions, existing power and fiber connectivity, effective community engagement, and thorough environmental risk assessment. AI-driven planning tools like UrbanFootprint and ESRI ArcGIS are helping developers evaluate site suitability, identifying opportunities for firms. The data center market offers engineering firms a chance to lead in sustainable design, infrastructure innovation, and strategic planning at a moment when digital infrastructure has become as critical as traditional utilities.
In this week's edition of The UK Energy Show, we bring you a fast-moving, insight-packed look at the biggest developments shaping Britain's energy landscape. From the high-stakes negotiations at COP30 to the latest shocks in global oil markets, our panel breaks down what truly matters for UK consumers, businesses, and policymakers.We examine the emerging and fragile consensus on a global roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, with analysis of the political tensions, financial hurdles, and real-world affordability challenges that could make or break any agreement. With Ukrainian strikes pushing Moscow's refineries offline and new US sanctions about to hit, we look at why Russian oil prices are falling even as UK diesel prices surge - and what drivers can expect at the pump in the coming weeks.There's big news for Wales too: the government has confirmed plans for the UK's first small modular nuclear reactors, prompting a lively debate on whether SMRs are the future of clean, reliable baseload power or an expensive gamble.Plus, we dive into what's trending on social media - from Exxon's closures and potential acquisitions to the perennial question of China's emissions, and we preview the rumours swirling around the upcoming UK Budget, including fuel duty, VAT changes, and the future of EV road charging.Hosted by Martin Stanford and joined by Greg Newman, Group CEO of Onyx Capital Group, and Julian Keites of Flux Markets, offering clear explanations, sharp market insight, and candid views on where energy prices and policy are heading next.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Montana State Representative Gary Perry, Chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, to discuss how Montana can remain a leader in energy production while preparing for the future. Perry outlines his vision for expanding coal and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), strengthening transmission infrastructure, and ensuring Montana stays a net energy exporter in the West. He also shares how reliable, affordable energy supports local jobs and keeps Montana's rural communities strong, while explaining the importance of regional cooperation with neighboring states and Canada to stabilize the grid. From Colstrip's legacy to next-generation nuclear, Perry lays out a clear, common-sense path to energy abundance and economic growth for Big Sky Country.
In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, host Stu Turley sits down with Dr. Lars Schernikau, author of The Unpopular Truth About Electricity and the Future of Energy, to unpack why reliability and affordability must lead energy policy. They dive into the real costs of large-scale wind and solar—intermittency, low energy density, short lifetimes, grid stability (AC vs. DC/inertia), and hidden disposal/subsidy issues—contrast ERCOT nameplate vs. actual load, and spotlight energy poverty from Pakistan to Africa. Schernikau argues that “energy security starts at home,” calling for honest accounting and smarter investment in modern thermal, nuclear (incl. SMRs), geothermal, and long-horizon fusion—while noting AI/data centers make power resilience more critical than ever. Along the way: Bill Gates' recent climate-risk comments, COP priorities, NJ Ayuk and Chris Wright's energy-access push, and why financing institutions are beginning to rethink greenwashed narratives. Learn more at unpopular-truth.com.Dr. Schernikau, Thank You for your wonderful leadership in the world of Energy markets, and I look forward to more discussions. - Stu Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 - Intro01:27 – Net Zero and Bill Gates' Shift02:01 – Why Energy Reliability Matters03:13 – Ending Energy Poverty03:58 – Energy Efficiency Through History05:57 – Book Mention: Unpopular Truth06:12 – COP and Climate Priorities07:08 – Reliability Before Affordability09:04 – ERCOT Grid Costs & Overbuild10:39 – The 3 Problems: Intermittency, Density, Lifetime14:36 – Solar Durability Issues15:30 – Overbuilding and Storage Costs17:24 – Subsidies & Disposal Costs18:49 – Recycling and Greenwashing19:43 – Grid Stability: AC vs. DC23:16 – Energy Security Risks24:25 – Complex Grids & Vulnerability26:50 – Africa's Energy Development27:55 – Global Fuel Dependence32:26 – Politics, IEA, and Funding33:42 – Real Cost of Wind & Solar35:39 – Geothermal Laser Breakthrough36:10 – Future of Energy: Nuclear to Fusion38:38 – Germany's Nuclear Irony39:11 – European Politics & Hope40:10 – Financing & Greenwashing Shift42:33 – Wrap Up & Final ThoughtsFull transcript on https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/
The post 6.23 – From Wind & Solar to SMRs & Geothermal: Energy Economist Kenneth Medlock Maps U.S. Energy Policy appeared first on Propane.
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns Regarding Small Modular Reactors and Weapons Testing. Henry Sokolski raises proliferation concerns about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel (20% enriched). Declassified cables from 1954 and 1977 suggested that uranium above 10% requires special concern, demanding a review before SMRs are exported. Sokolski also clarifies that US maintenance of its nuclear arsenal relies on non-critical tests and simulations, not full-yield explosions, though adversaries may be conducting critical tests.
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns Regarding Small Modular Reactors and Weapons Testing. Henry Sokolski raises proliferation concerns about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel (20% enriched). Declassified cables from 1954 and 1977 suggested that uranium above 10% requires special concern, demanding a review before SMRs are exported. Sokolski also clarifies that US maintenance of its nuclear arsenal relies on non-critical tests and simulations, not full-yield explosions, though adversaries may be conducting critical tests.
SHOW 11-7-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE MUCH DEBATED AI VALUATIONS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 California Politics and West Coast Issues. Jeff Bliss reports on California Governor Gavin Newsom's successful Proposition 50 to reshape congressional districts, a move linked to increasing Newsom's presidential visibility. Newsom's public persona is increasingly marked by anger and profanity aimed at political opponents. Other issues include Las Vegas resorts reconsidering "nickel-and-diming" practices, ongoing regulatory hurdles delaying rebuilding in Maui, and routine fires in LA's growing homeless encampments. 915-930 Canadian Politics, US Trade Relations, and Energy Pipeline Development. Conrad Black discusses a domestic Canadian political misunderstanding involving Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford over an anti-tariff ad that annoyed President Trump. The focus shifts to Canadian energy policy, noting the need for new pipelines to move oil from Alberta east, west, and south. Carney's government has tentatively agreed to approve a second pipeline to northern British Columbia, which would more than double the daily oil shipment capacity to the west. 930-945 Supreme Court Arguments on Presidential Tariff Authority and NYC Mayor-Elect. Professor Richard Epstein analyzes Supreme Court arguments regarding the President's expansive use of a 1977 law to impose tariffs, predicting a likely 7-2 ruling against the administration. Epstein argues that viewing successful worldwide trade as an "emergency" is intellectually flawed and an abuse of executive discretion. Separately, he expresses concern that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist lacking administrative experience, risks impoverishing the city by ignoring competitive federalism. 945-1000 Supreme Court Arguments on Presidential Tariff Authority and NYC Mayor-Elect. Professor Richard Epstein analyzes Supreme Court arguments regarding the President's expansive use of a 1977 law to impose tariffs, predicting a likely 7-2 ruling against the administration. Epstein argues that viewing successful worldwide trade as an "emergency" is intellectually flawed and an abuse of executive discretion. Separately, he expresses concern that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist lacking administrative experience, risks impoverishing the city by ignoring competitive federalism. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Economic Slowdown and Election Observations in Indiana and Pennsylvania. Jim McTague identifies signs of an economic slowdown affecting people beyond the lowest economic rung. Restaurant business in Indiana is down 3 to 5%, and expensive home renovations have "dried up." Costco shoppers are exhibiting extreme caution, buying essentials with little impulse spending. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a large turnout resulted in Democratic victories, suggesting voter reaction against local Republicans perceived as "Trumpists." Anticipated layoffs at Amazon and Walmart are expected to impact local employment. 1015-1030 Italian Defense Strategy and the Geopolitical Situation. Lorenzo Fiori discusses Italy's defense buildup using EU loan deals to acquire new armored vehicles from Germany's Rheinmetall through a joint venture with Leonardo. This modernization is crucial as Italy is strategically situated near the Ukrainian conflict and faces risks from troubled North African countries, particularly potential Russian influence in Libya. Although the military is needed for disaster relief, public opinion often remains against increasing defense expenditures. 1030-1045 Spacefaring News: NASA, SpaceX Records, and Global Space Issues. Bob Zimmerman reports on the renomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator following a previous withdrawal. SpaceX is setting new launch records, aiming for close to 180 launches this year, though an FAA launch curfew might jeopardize this prediction. Other topics include Boeing avoiding criminal charges regarding the 737 Max crashes, opposition to the EU Space Act, Starlab's commercial space station development, and China's stranded crew due to space debris damage to their Shenzhou capsule. 1045-1100 Spacefaring News: NASA, SpaceX Records, and Global Space Issues. Bob Zimmerman reports on the renomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator following a previous withdrawal. SpaceX is setting new launch records, aiming for close to 180 launches this year, though an FAA launch curfew might jeopardize this prediction. Other topics include Boeing avoiding criminal charges regarding the 737 Max crashes, opposition to the EU Space Act, Starlab's commercial space station development, and China's stranded crew due to space debris damage to their Shenzhou capsule. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Augustine's Response to the Sack of Rome and Theological Battles. Professor Katherine Conybeare discusses Augustine, the African, and his response to the 410 AD sacking of Rome, which motivated him to write The City of God. The work defends Christianity by arguing Rome was always vulnerable. The source also covers the "rigged" Council of Carthage against the Donatists, Augustine's role in developing the just war theory, and his debate against Pelagianism, which led to the formulation of original sin, transmitted through sexual intercourse. 1115-1130 1130-1145 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Nuclear Proliferation Concerns Regarding Small Modular Reactors and Weapons Testing. Henry Sokolski raises proliferation concerns about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel (20% enriched). Declassified cables from 1954 and 1977 suggested that uranium above 10% requires special concern, demanding a review before SMRs are exported. Sokolski also clarifies that US maintenance of its nuclear arsenal relies on non-critical tests and simulations, not full-yield explosions, though adversaries may be conducting critical tests. 1215-1230 Nuclear Proliferation Concerns Regarding Small Modular Reactors and Weapons Testing. Henry Sokolski raises proliferation concerns about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel (20% enriched). Declassified cables from 1954 and 1977 suggested that uranium above 10% requires special concern, demanding a review before SMRs are exported. Sokolski also clarifies that US maintenance of its nuclear arsenal relies on non-critical tests and simulations, not full-yield explosions, though adversaries may be conducting critical tests. 1230-1245 The Trillion-Dollar Space Race: Musk (Hare) vs. Bezos (Tortoise). Richard Smith compares the space race between Elon Musk's SpaceX ("the hare") and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin ("the tortoise"). Blue Origin operates under the cautious motto Gradatim Ferociter, funded by Bezos's personal wealth, aiming to move heavy industry off Earth. SpaceX is driven by Musk's "existential" goal to make humanity interplanetary, operating with urgency. SpaceX ensures independence by funding its ambitious projects, including Starship, through the revenue generated by Starlink. 1245-100 AM The Trillion-Dollar Space Race: Musk (Hare) vs. Bezos (Tortoise). Richard Smith compares the space race between Elon Musk's SpaceX ("the hare") and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin ("the tortoise"). Blue Origin operates under the cautious motto Gradatim Ferociter, funded by Bezos's personal wealth, aiming to move heavy industry off Earth. SpaceX is driven by Musk's "existential" goal to make humanity interplanetary, operating with urgency. SpaceX ensures independence by funding its ambitious projects, including Starship, through the revenue generated by Starlink.
PREVIEW. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Nuclear Proliferation Risk. Henry Sokolski discusses declassified communications indicating that 20% enriched uranium is sufficient to build a bomb, which is the enrichment level proposed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are embraced by the political class because they provide the massive electricity required by AI and tech centers. Both political parties are criticized for indiscriminately supporting nuclear generation.
In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, Stu Turley hosts Steve Reese (Reese Energy Consulting) and Matthew Hill (fire suppression expert) for a powerful conversation on the future of energy, natural gas demand, AI data center growth, and energy infrastructure. They unpack the collision course between LNG exports and power-hungry data centers, highlight the coming turbine shortage, and explore mobile microgrid and modular refinery innovations. Topics span from CNG applications, geothermal crossover, and battery fire risks, to U.S. refining bottlenecks, regulatory barriers, and California's energy policies as a national security threat. The episode is a dynamic mix of industry insight, policy critique, and forward-looking solutions—driven by a call for energy dominance, regulatory reform, and American innovation. You will want to connect with Steve Reese on LinkedIn: / steve-reese-185a86 And Matthew Hill is a must-connect for safety: / matthewhillknightfires... Check out Reese Energy Consulting at https://reeseenergycon... Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 – Intro 00:00 – Intro & Guests 01:03 – Gas Demand: LNG vs. Data Centers 01:53 – Turbine Shortage & Microgrids 02:43 – Big Tech's Unreal Gas Expectations 04:05 – Mobile Data Centers on Well Pads 05:16 – Frac Firms Becoming Tech Giants 06:41 – ROI of AI Infrastructure 08:20 – CNG & Mobile Midstream 09:42 – Gen Z & ESG Pressure 10:17 – Failed Solar & Gas Reality 10:52 – SMRs & Powering AI Boom 12:20 – Flynn, California, & Business Exodus 15:09 – Regulation Creep & Safety 18:16 – Pipeline Delays & Bottlenecks 20:32 – Illegals & Hydrocarbon Transport Risks 21:30 – CA Imports Dirty Oil While Shutting Local Supply 23:21 – U.S. Refinery Gap 24:57 – NIMBYs & NatSec Risk 26:03 – Gas Price Outlook 27:40 – Geothermal's Momentum 29:55 – New Modular Refineries 31:38 – Operator vs. Political Disconnect 33:02 – Reese's AI & LNG Training 33:45 – CNG/LNG Use on Pads 34:52 – Battery Fire Safety & BESS 36:47 – Mobile Power Best Practices 38:34 – Lithium Battery Threats 39:02 – Wrap-Up & Outro Full Transcript at https://theenergynewsb... #EnergyDominance #NaturalGasBoom #DataCenterDemand#MicrogridSolutions #EnergyInfrastructure #FireSuppressionTech #RefiningCrisisn#GeothermalEnergy #RegulatoryReform #AmericanLNG
In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, Stu Turley hosts Steve Reese (Reese Energy Consulting) and Matthew Hill (fire suppression expert) for a powerful conversation on the future of energy, natural gas demand, AI data center growth, and energy infrastructure. They unpack the collision course between LNG exports and power-hungry data centers, highlight the coming turbine shortage, and explore mobile microgrid and modular refinery innovations. Topics span from CNG applications, geothermal crossover, and battery fire risks, to U.S. refining bottlenecks, regulatory barriers, and California's energy policies as a national security threat. The episode is a dynamic mix of industry insight, policy critique, and forward-looking solutions—driven by a call for energy dominance, regulatory reform, and American innovation.You will want to connect with Steve Reese on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-reese-185a86/And Matthew Hill is a must-connect for safety: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhillknightfirespecialists4055682742/Check out Reese Energy Consulting at https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 – Intro00:00 – Intro & Guests01:03 – Gas Demand: LNG vs. Data Centers01:53 – Turbine Shortage & Microgrids02:43 – Big Tech's Unreal Gas Expectations04:05 – Mobile Data Centers on Well Pads05:16 – Frac Firms Becoming Tech Giants06:41 – ROI of AI Infrastructure08:20 – CNG & Mobile Midstream09:42 – Gen Z & ESG Pressure10:17 – Failed Solar & Gas Reality10:52 – SMRs & Powering AI Boom12:20 – Flynn, California, & Business Exodus15:09 – Regulation Creep & Safety18:16 – Pipeline Delays & Bottlenecks20:32 – Illegals & Hydrocarbon Transport Risks21:30 – CA Imports Dirty Oil While Shutting Local Supply23:21 – U.S. Refinery Gap24:57 – NIMBYs & NatSec Risk26:03 – Gas Price Outlook27:40 – Geothermal's Momentum29:55 – New Modular Refineries31:38 – Operator vs. Political Disconnect33:02 – Reese's AI & LNG Training33:45 – CNG/LNG Use on Pads34:52 – Battery Fire Safety & BESS36:47 – Mobile Power Best Practices38:34 – Lithium Battery Threats39:02 – Wrap-Up & OutroFull Transcript at https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/
"Magnifying glass examining colorful crypto coins labelled 'Ponzi,' one golden Bitcoin standing out as genuine, cautionary warning icons..." ROI Podcast® episode 496! In this episode, entrepreneur and writer Alexander Svetsky shares stories from his wild ride through the crypto world. He talks about co‑founding one of the first Bitcoin‑only savings/exchange platforms and why dealing with regulators made him say "never again." Alexander also explains why he's building Satlantis, a Bitcoin‑powered ticketing app, and how his writing on economics and philosophy has influenced his entrepreneurial journey. We dive deep into Bitcoin's fundamentals—what makes it different from "shitcoins," why sound money matters, and how bad incentives distort economic behavior. Alexander breaks down how Bitcoin is backed by energy and how mining can even stabilize the power grid by flexibly using surplus renewable energy - cryptoforinnovation.org - and providing load‑balancing services - cryptoforinnovation.org - You'll hear why he believes decentralization beats trust in institutions and what industries could look like in a Bitcoin‑standard world. If you're curious about energy debates, Ponzi‑scheme cryptos, or the myth of Satoshi Nakamoto, this episode delivers fresh insights. We also get personal—Alexander reflects on mistakes, shares advice for his 13‑year‑old self, and discusses being a new dad. Hit like, subscribe and ring the bell if you enjoy these deep dives into business, tech and philosophy. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments. Listen to ROI Podcast® on your favorite podcast platform for the full experience! Episode sponsored by @Flodesk -50% off https://flodesk.com/c/AL83FF @OpusClip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=7bd356 @Incogni remove you personal data from public websites 50% off https://get.incogni.io/SH3ve @SQUARESPACE website builder → https://squarespacecircleus.pxf.io/sweatequity @CALL RAIL call tracking → https://bit.ly/sweatequitycallrail @LINKEDIN PREMIUM - 2 months free! → https://bit.ly/sweatequity-linkedin-premium @OTTER.ai → https://otter.ai/referrals/AVPIT85N Hosts' Eric Readinger & Law Smith
WATCH the video on Substack by clicking the play button above or on YouTube (here).STREAM audio only on Apple Podcasts (here), Spotify (here), or your favorite podcast player app.We have just wrapped up an especially heavy 3-week stretch of board, management, and industry meetings. Included have been various meetings in and around the power sector. As someone who has spent his career on the other side of energy--i.e., oil & gas--it has been a lot of fun ramping up on the power side of the business. Historically oil & gas and power have been essentially two completely separate industries, each with their own macro drivers, corporate outlooks, and analyst coverage. And while today many differences of course remain, there are a growing number of areas of convergence. In this short video, we will give a few thoughts from our recent travels that we will expand upon in coming months. There are five points we want to highlight:First, we think energy is in the early days of the 3rd major super-cycle in our lifetime. The first was the Arab Oil Embargo years of the 1970s and the second was the Chia/BRICs expansion of the 2000s. Both were at their core crude oil market events. Geopolitical security was the dominant narrative of the 1970s. Billion-person scale emerging market (EM) demand growth characterized the latter. The current super-cycle marries both drivers but it is power, rather than crude oil, that is at the heart of this era. AI datacenters rightfully get a lot of attention. But aging developed market grids that need new investment is also an important trend. Perhaps most importantly, the substantial unmet energy needs of the other 7 billion people on Earth will arguably be the greatest driver of global power demand. This super-cycle is all about global power needs on multiple fronts. Second point and a key lesson from the mis-guided “The Energy Transition” era is that the world clearly is going to need all forms of energy, including many newer technologies where the timing of scaling economics is still uncertain. Examples of that last point are nuclear SMRs and enhanced geothermal to name just two. Power is an enabling driver of crude oil demand in the developing world. We suspect this is most visible in Africa today as an example. It is interesting and ironic: growth in renewables power is boosting oil demand.Third point: energy sources and technologies are not in competition with each other for a finite pool of demand. That is the energy substitution argument being trotted out by those that in recent years believed in The Energy Transition. Rather, relative economics, reliability, and geopolitical security are going to cause periods of strong and weaker demand at various points of time for different areas. As an example, LNG priced at world oil prices we do not think displaces domestic coal demand in places like India and China. But it is a complementary and diversifying fuel for power generation which is important to having a healthy power market. And new areas like LNG trucks can help reduce dependence on crude oil imports from what would otherwise be the case. Again, it is additive, not substitutive. Fourth, where crude oil cycles are inherently global in nature, power is typically highly local or regional, but today also has a global overlay via EM growth. Fifth, we are perhaps most optimistic to see major energy consumers, in particular Big Tech and Big Industrials, proactively engaging in energy macro and policy discussions. We see this at Veriten via an expanding and increasingly diversified client base. We see it in the many meetings we have attended. This in our view significantly raises the odds that we move away from the divisive rhetoric and policies that characterized The Energy Transition era to one that appropriately prioritizes energy's natural hierarchy of needs.
GE Vernova chief commercial officer Pablo Koziner on the latest thinking around data centres, wind energy, gas, SMRs and batteries. Plus: News of the week.
Texas Talks host Brad Swail sits down with Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, to discuss how nuclear energy could reshape Texas' power future. Clay explains why the state hasn't built a new plant in over 30 years, the myths and politics that sidelined nuclear in the 1990s, and how AI data centers and small modular reactors (SMRs) are driving a modern nuclear renaissance. From Winter Storm Uri to House Bill 14 and the creation of the Texas Nuclear Energy Office, this episode explores how Texas can stay competitive, reliable, and carbon-free through a smart mix of nuclear and natural gas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks
Mike Walsh, IMEG Senior Director of Industrial, joins this episode to discuss small modular reactors (SMRs) and their potential for becoming an integral source of power for manufacturers and industrial campuses. SMRs typically produce 50 to 300 megawatts of power, unlike traditional nuclear plants that generate between 1,000 and 1,500 megawatts. Mike is quick to clarify, however, that the adjective “small” is relative in comparison to traditional reactors. “They're not small—they're just smaller,” he says of SMRs. “They're still large, sophisticated facilities. But their modular construction changes everything.” SMRs work on the same basic principle as traditional reactors: nuclear fission heats water into steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity. Unlike traditional reactors, the reactor portion is manufactured within a factory—where conditions are controlled and quality assurance is consistent—and are then shipped to a location. They require significant real estate—typically 10 to 100 acres, but still far less than the 250 to 400 acres for a traditional nuclear plant. Their smaller footprint makes SMRs particularly well suited for industrial campuses. And while roughly two-thirds of a traditional nuclear plant's thermal energy is lost as waste heat, SMRs can capture and reuse that excess energy. “If we can use that heat for industrial processes or building systems, overall efficiency on an industrial site could reach 80 or 90 percent,” Mike says. The 24/7 on-site generation of power also will be highly beneficial to industries as the reliability and strain on the grid continue to worsen, energy costs rise, and owners begin to see high demand factors on utility bills. With few new nuclear plants built in the U.S. since the 1970s, the path forward for SMRs is murky. “No one really knows yet how these will be regulated,” Mike says. “You can't apply the same rules that were written for massive, one-of-a-kind nuclear facilities. This is new territory.” Economics also is a factor. Early SMRs will be expensive, but Mike draws a parallel to renewable energy's evolution. “Solar was once prohibitively costly too,” he says. “Then technology improved, production scaled, and prices fell. The same thing will happen here.” The general perception of nuclear power will also need to be overcome. ”It's the not-in-my-backyard syndrome kind of thing,” Mike says. “There are reasons why nuclear accidents happened in the past, but it's highly improbable that that would happen with these newer facilities and the way they have some passive ability, if they lost all power to the site, to still cool that reactor and not have a meltdown. Despite the challenges, Mike believes nuclear power will be an essential part of a diversified energy mix of the future, which will also include wind, solar, hydro-electric, and, for some time at least, coal. “There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle for how we are going to create energy now and into the future.” Several companies are now building various versions of SMRs. One of them, Kairos Power, is constructing a demonstration reactor in Tennessee; IMEG is collaborating with HDR on the project. The facility is expected to be online in 2027 and will provide essential data on performance, safety, and cost, laying the groundwork for future deployment. Compared to traditional nuclear plants that take decades to bring online, Mike believes that the faster production and startup of SMRs will be key to addressing current and future energy needs. “SMRs are made to help with a problem we have right now, not a problem we're going to have in 30 years.”
Nuclear power is back at the centre of the global energy conversation again. Is a real renaissance in the industry under way? Or are we just in another moment of excitement before familiar challenges emerge and the hype cycle turns down again?In the second of three special episodes ahead of ADIPEC 2025, host Ed Crooks speaks with Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, about how the role of nuclear power in a world of turbocharged electricity demand growth and continuing pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions.Sama explains how nuclear power has shifted from an afterthought at climate summits to a cornerstone of countries' decarbonisation strategies. COP28 in Dubai in 2023 marked a turning point, she says. 199 countries formally recognised nuclear power as essential to meeting their climate goals, and 31 of them committed to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050. Investment is accelerating, with new projects breaking ground across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. And where new developments are slow, countries are embracing lower-cost options, including extending plant lifetimes and restarting previously retired reactors.The discussion explores the growing influence of AI and data centres, which give new relevance to nuclear because of their round-the-clock need for electricity. AI is part of a new alignment of conditions that mean that this time the momentum behind nuclear power is real, Sama argues. Financing is available, governments are pragmatic, and the tech giants are now among the most vocal advocates for 24/7 clean baseload power.Sama and Ed also unpack the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs). Factory-built to a larger degree, repeatable, and scalable, SMRs could open new opportunities for industrial clusters, remote regions, and energy-hungry digital infrastructure. They may not be the answer to all the challenges the nuclear industry faces, but they should definitely have a role to play. However, Sama warns that probably only a handful of designs will survive the early shake-out that will be needed to streamline the SMR industry. Finally, the conversation turns to policy and politics. In a more polarised world, nuclear is emerging as rare common ground, backed by governments seeking climate progress, energy security, and economic competitiveness. Sama calls for a balanced system that values integration over ideology: renewables, nuclear, and smarter grids working in tandem.This is the second of three special episodes sponsored by ADIPEC 2025, where the theme is Energy Intelligence Impact. The event brings together 205,000+ attendees and 1,800+ speakers in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November 2025. The Energy Gang will be recording live at the event. Join us there to be part of the conversation. Learn more and register at adipec.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This episode is dedicated to all of the light water reactor fans out there. Especially if you like your LWRs in water. Listen to this conversation with the co-founder and CEO of Blue Energy, Jake Jurewicz, and you'll understand what I mean. Jake is a utility industry veteran with a lifetime of experience on construction sites, so our discussion about how his new company is going to site SMRs on waterways and ship them by barge gets into all kinds of deployment nitty gritty: management, permitting, financing, you name it. Check out Blue Energy's website, LinkedIn, and X account.
In this episode recorded live at our Investing in the Energy Transition event in Milan, inspiratia speaks with Luca Matrone, Global Head of Energy at Intesa Sanpaolo, about how Europe's leading lenders are navigating a rapidly changing energy market. Maya and Luca discuss the bank's global renewable strategy, the outlook for hydrogen and storage, and why Italy's regulatory framework continues to attract capital. From blended finance models to the future of SMRs, this episode explores where institutional finance meets the next wave of clean energy investment.Interested in tickets for our Munich event? Email conferences@inspiratia.com or buy them directly on our website.Reach out to us at: podcasts@inspiratia.comFind all of our latest news and analysis by subscribing to inspiratiaListen to all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other providers. Music credit: NDA/Show You instrumental/Tribe of Noise©2025 inspiratia. All rights reserved.This content is protected by copyright. Please respect the author's rights and do not copy or reproduce it without permission.
In this episode, Gerard Reid, Laurent Segalen and Michael Barnard dug into the technologies and narratives that keep surfacing in discussions about the energy transition, but which continue to underdeliver when you scrutinize the economics and engineering realities.Carbon capture and direct air capture remain heavily subsidy-driven, often costing more to operate than the value of the CO₂ they sequester. The dilution of carbon in the atmosphere makes the whole proposition profoundly inefficient, and while there are niche opportunities where high-purity CO₂ streams are adjacent to storage infrastructure, those remain exceptions. Enhanced oil recovery is the only space where the numbers truly add up, which means the public ends up footing the bill for most other applications. Even regulatory pushes, such as Germany's, can't overcome the fundamental cost and scalability barriers. Hydrogen suffers from a parallel set of problems. The sector's viability as a broad energy carrier depends on hitting a production cost of around $1 per kilogram, but real-world projects are stuck closer to $8 per kilogram. That gap has led to a string of cancellations from heavy hitters like BP, Exxon, and Air Products. Despite the hype around green hydrogen, the underlying assumptions never matched the physics or the economics. Battery electrification has emerged as the far more effective pathway for most transport, leaving hydrogen to fight for narrow industrial niches while its infrastructure and fuel cell supply chains lag behind.Nuclear energy is facing its own reckoning. The pivot toward small modular reactors was meant to revive the industry with faster, cheaper, more scalable deployment, but the reality looks different. Project sizes have crept upward, wiping out the “modular” advantage, and costs are trending well above $200 per megawatt-hour—hardly competitive. Ontario's flagship SMR project is already slipping years past its promised delivery, and there's little to suggest Wright's Law cost declines will appear in a sector defined by bespoke builds and long lead times. Investors may find opportunities in the extended development cycles, but the contribution to near-term decarbonization remains negligible.Fusion is another seductive technology that continues to consume enormous sums of capital without altering the climate trajectory. ITER alone is 30 years behind schedule and twenty times over budget, aiming only for a five-minute sustained reaction by 2040—without generating electricity. Private startups are raising capital but remain decades away from surmounting fundamental engineering barriers. I've said before that fusion may eventually matter for space exploration, but it's irrelevant for terrestrial energy in this century. Still, as a scientific project, it's worth continuing—but policymakers must not confuse it with a climate solution.Biofuels offer a more mixed picture. First-generation projects like corn ethanol were both environmentally and economically flawed, but second- and third-generation fuels derived from waste streams are showing promise. These have a real role to play in hard-to-electrify domains like aviation and maritime shipping. However, they're not a replacement for direct electrification on the ground. European policy still reflects caution due to food-versus-fuel concerns, but as technologies improve, biofuels can carve out a targeted and pragmatic role.We also touched on the politics and market dynamics of offshore wind and ESG. Offshore wind in the U.S. continues to face transmission bottlenecks, fragmented policy, and outright political hostility, leading to cancelled and delayed projects. Meanwhile, Europe's integrated approach in the North Sea demonstrates what's possible with coordinated policy. On ESG, we acknowledged the criticisms around greenwashing and governance metrics that often make little sense. Yet, even through the noise, investment flows tell a real story: fossil fuel funding is down 25%, and corporate decarbonization continues, even if much of it is “green hushed.” Governance frameworks are evolving, with multi-stakeholder models like B Corps pointing toward a fundamental redefinition of fiduciary responsibility.Taken together, these discussions reinforce a central theme: the energy transition isn't about wishful thinking or fashionable narratives. It's about hard economics, engineering constraints, and political realities. Technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen, SMRs, and fusion may attract attention and capital, but their roles are narrow at best and distractions at worst. The real work is in scaling what actually delivers—electrification, renewables, smarter grids, and targeted complementary solutions like advanced biofuels.
Show Notes: Uday Turaga runs ADI Analytics, a boutique firm specializing in oil and gas, energy, and chemical industries. ADI Analytics was founded in 2009, has 20 employees, and operates globally. The firm focuses on the value chain across oil and gas, energy, and chemicals, including upstream exploration, midstream natural gas and LNG markets, downstream fuels, power utilities, and energy transition. In 2017, ADI Analytics acquired Chemical Market Resources, expanding its capabilities in the chemicals and materials spaces. Oil and Gas Projects Uday discusses various oil and gas projects, including work with large oil and gas majors like Exxon, BP, and Shell. ADI Analytics helps refining independents explore export markets in Latin America due to the US refining complex's gasoline surplus. The firm conducts feasibility studies for LNG export terminals on the US Gulf Coast, analyzing competitive positioning, technology, risks, and financing. He explains that scenario planning for an oil major focuses on long-term energy demand, and how it can be affected by the growing demand for natural gas from data centers and emerging markets globally. About ADI Analytics Uday talks about ADI Analytics. They work with large chemical players like BASF, Dow, and SABIC, covering the entire value chain, and help them on the feedstocks conversion into key building blocks in the chemicals industries, such as olefins, aromatics, and then all the derivatives, and further down into plastics, polymers and and how those plastics and polymers end up in our lives as consumers. He explains why the chemical industry is distressed, and how the firm helps clients understand the cost competitiveness of different chemicals globally and the impact of energy transition on the industry. Projects include due diligence for private equity firms on specialty chemical and materials markets and mapping the impact of energy transition on supply chains. Data Center Growth in the US Uday provides an overview of the data center landscape, noting the significant growth in data center capacity in the US Hyperscalers are building larger data centers, often in non-traditional locations like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, driven by the need for secure energy and power. He explains how large the demand for electricity from data centers is with hyperscalers requiring up to a gigawatt of power, which is challenging to secure. Energy needs between households and data centers are compared to give an example of the scale needed. However, the process of adding new power generation capacity to the grid is slow, with interconnection queues taking multiple years, leading to delays in meeting data center power needs. Energy Sources and Strategies for Data Centers Hyperscalers are pursuing various strategies to secure power, including building data centers in non-preferred locations, partnering with utilities, and investing in early-stage technologies like geothermal and small modular nuclear reactors. Uday discusses the challenges of securing power for data centers, including the need for significant new power generation capacity and the difficulties in connecting to the grid. The conversation highlights the importance of low-carbon energy sources for data centers, with interest in geothermal, nuclear, and hydrogen. ADI Analytics is involved in projects helping tech companies identify sources of low-carbon energy and exploring opportunities for oil and gas majors in the power generation space. Geothermal Energy and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Uday explains the potential of geothermal energy, including traditional hydrothermal resources and advanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS involves drilling deep into the Earth's surface to extract heat, but the technology is still in development and faces challenges like high costs and engineering complexities. Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are gaining interest due to growing electricity demand from data centers and industrial electrification. The conversation covers the regulatory and permitting challenges for SMRs, the need for innovation in nuclear power, and the potential for these technologies to address energy needs. Politics and Policy on Energy Projects The conversation turns to the impact of political and policy decisions on energy projects, including the opposition to renewable energy projects and support for nuclear power. Uday highlights the need for a balanced energy policy that supports all forms of energy, recognizing the unique advantages and challenges of each technology. He emphasizes the importance of allowing markets to determine the most competitive energy solutions, rather than imposing political or regulatory barriers. The discussion concludes with a call for a more cohesive and market-driven energy policy to meet the diverse energy needs of the future. Timestamps 02:22 Oil and Gas Project Examples 04:56: Chemical Industry Projects 08:16: Data Center Trends and Challenges 23:45: Energy Sources and Strategies for Data Centers 25:28: Geothermal Energy and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors 33:18: Political and Policy Considerations Links: ADI Analytics website: www.adi-analytics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turaga/ Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.
PWR-HR, a segment of the Energy Espresso Podcast, returns with hosts Dave Bosco and Travis Simmering taking on a seven-iron challenge at Pebble Beach and sharing quick sports updates, from DJ Dad's softball coaching to the FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup. They then shift to power markets: natural gas outlook, SMRs, AI-driven demand, and Caterpillar's 1.1-GW sale to a Utah data center.Tune in now!00:00 Welcome to The PWR-HR00:26 Inaugural Episode Competition02:28 DJ Dad and The Bomb Squad07:02 Golf Talk: FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup09:40 Nuclear Power and SMRs Discussion13:21 Upcoming Energy Projects and Natural Gas Outlook16:35 Fusion Technology and Future Energy Innovations17:55 Geothermal Energy and Natural Gas Dominance18:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Power Generation21:09 Data Centers and Energy Efficiency25:01 The Future of Power Generation and Efficiency29:57 Engaging with the Audience and Closing Remarks
Matt Loszak, the cofounder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, joined me to talk about Aalo's progress rolling SMRs off the factory line. We get into Aalo's test reactor at Idaho National Labs, a DOE path toward approving nuclear designs, how Trump's nuclear executive orders have helped the industry, “zero power criticality,” and more.Since we recorded this episode, Aalo has closed its $100 million Series B and has officially been selected by the DOE to test the Aalo-X reactor at INL by hitting zero power criticality. And then they broke ground on the project just a few days ago! Get full access to Nuclear Barbarians at www.nuclearbarbarians.com/subscribe
Our analysts Tim Chan and Mayank Maheshwari discuss how nuclear power and natural gas are reshaping Asia's evolving energy mix, and what these trends mean for sustainability and the future of energy. Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Tim Chan: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Tim Chan, Morgan Stanley's Head of Asia Sustainability Research.Mayank Maheshwari: And I am Mayank Maheshwari, the Energy Analyst for India and Southeast Asia.Tim Chan: Today – a major shift in global energy. We are talking about nuclear power, gas adoption, and what the future holds.It's Monday, August 18th at 8am in Hong Kong.Mayank Maheshwari: And it's 8am in Singapore.Tim Chan: Nuclear power is no longer niche; it's a megatrend. It was once seen as controversial and capital intensive. But now nuclear power is stepping into the spotlight—not just for decarbonization, but for energy security. Global investment projections in this sector are now topping more than $2 trillion by 2050. This is fueled by a growing appetite from major tech companies for clean, reliable 24/7 energy. More specifically, Asia is emerging as the epicenter of capacity growth, and that's where your coverage comes in, Mayank.With the rising consumption of electricity, how does nuclear energy adoption stack up in your universe?Mayank Maheshwari: Tim, it's a fascinating world on power right now that we are seeing. Now the tight global power markets perspective is key on why there is so much investor and policymaker attention to nuclear power.Nuclear fuels accounted for about a tenth of the power units produced globally. However, they are almost a fifth of the global clean power generation. Now, power consumption is at another tripping point, and this is after tripling since 1980s. To give you a perspective, Tim, 25 trillion units of power were consumed worldwide last year, and we see this growing rapidly at a 25 percent pace in the next five years or so. And if you look at consumption growth outside of China, it's even faster at 2.5x for the rest of the decade when compared to the last decade.Now policy makers need energy security and hence, nuclear is getting a lot more attention. In Asia, while China, Korea, and Japan have been using nuclear energy to power the economy, the rest of Asia, it has been more an ambition – with India being the only country making progress last decade. Southeast Asia still has a lot more coal, and nuclear remains an ambition as technology acceptance by public and regulatory framework remains a key handicap. We do, however, see policy makers in Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia looking at nuclear fuels more seriously now, with SMRs also being discussed.Tim Chan: That is a really interesting perspective, Mayank. So, you have been bullish on the Asia gas adoption story. So, how do you think gas and nuclear will intersect in this region?Mayank Maheshwari: I think nuclear and natural gas, like all of the fuel stem, will complement each other. However, the long gestation to put nuclear capacity makes gas a viable alternative for energy security. As I was telling you earlier, policy makers are definitely focusing on it. As you know, the last big increase in focus in nuclear fuels also happened in the 1970s oil shock, again when energy security came into play.Global natural gas consumption has more than doubled in the last three decades, and it's set to surprise again with AsiaPac's consumption pretty much set to rise at twice the pace versus what right now expectations are by the street. In this age of electrification and AI adoption, natural gas is definitely emerging as a dependable and an affordable fuel of the future to power everything from automobiles to humanoids, biogenetics, to AI data centers, and even semiconductor production, which is getting so much focus nowadays.We expect global consumption to rise again after not growing this decade for natural gas. As Asia's natural gas adoption rises and grows at 5 percent CAGR 2024-2030; with consumption for gas surprising in China, India, and Japan. So, all the large economies are seeing this big increases, especially versus expectations.The region will consume 70 percent of the globally traded natural gas by 2030. So that's how important Asia will be for the world. And while global gas glut is well flagged, especially coming out of the U.S., Asia's ability to absorb this glut is not very well appreciated.Tim, having said that, nuclear energy is clearly getting more interest globally and is often debated in sustainability circles. How do you see its role evolving in sustainability frameworks as well as green taxonomies?Tim Chan: On sustainability, one thing to talk about is exclusion. That is really important for many sustainable sustainability investors. And when it comes to exclusion for nuclear power, only 2.3 percent of global AUM now exclude nuclear power. And then, that percentage is lower than alcohol, military contracting and gambling. And the exclusion rate is also different dependent on the region. Right now, European investors have the highest exclusion rate but have reduced the nuclear exclusion from 10.9 percent to 8.4 percent as of December last year. And North American and Asian exclusion rates are very, very low. Just 0.3 percent and 0.6 percent respectively.So, this exclusion in North America and Asia are minimal. The World Bank has also lifted, its decades long ban on financing nuclear project, which is important because World Bank can provide capital to fund the early stage of nuclear plant project or construction.And finally, on green finance. The EU, China and Japan have incorporated the nuclear power into their green taxonomies. So that means in some circumstances, nuclear project can be considered as green.Mayank Maheshwari: Now we have talked about AI and its need for power on this show. Nuclear power has a significant role to play in that equation, with hyperscalers paying premium for nuclear power. How does this support the investment case for nuclear utilities?Tim Chan: Yeah, so that depends on the region; and then different region we have different dilemmas. So, let's talk about U.S. first. In the U.S. we are seeing nuclear power is commanding a premium of approximately around $30-$50 per megawatt hour – above the market rate. So, when it comes to this price premium, we do think that will support the nuclear utilities in the U.S. And then in the report we highlighted a few names that we believe the current stock price haven't really priced in this premium in the market.And then for other regions, it depends on the region as well. So, Mayank, you have talked about Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia right now, given the lack of nuclear pipeline and then also the favorable economies of gas, we are not seeing that sort of premium yet in the Southeast Asia. We are also not seeing that premium in the Europe and in China as well, given that right now this sort of premium is mainly a U.S. exclusive situation. So dependent on the region, we are seeing different opportunities for nuclear utilities when it comes to the price premium.Mayank Maheshwari: Definitely Tim, I think the price premiums are dependent on how tight these power markets in each of the geographies are. But like, how does nuclear fit into broader energy mix alongside renewables and natural gas for you?Tim Chan: So, all these are really important. For nuclear power, investors really appreciate the clean and reliable, and for the 24x7 nature of the energy supply to support their operations and sustainability goals. And then nuclear is also important to bring the power additionality, which means nuclear is bringing truly new energy generation rather than simply utilizing a system or already planned capacity. We are seeing that sort of additionality in the new nuclear project and also the SMR in future as well.So, for natural gas, that is also important. As Mayank you have mentioned, natural gas money adds as a bridge field to provide flexibility to the grid. And then in the U.S., it is currently the primary near-term solution for powering AI and data center to increase the electricity supply due to its speed to the market and reliability. And natural gas is suspected to meet immediate demand, while longer term solutions like nuclear projects and also SMR are developed.And finally, renewable energy is also important. It represents the fastest growing and increasingly cost competitive energy source. They also dominate the new capacity additions as well. But for renewable energy, it also requires complimentary technology such as battery ESS to adjust intermittency issues.So, Mayank we have talked so much about nuclear, and back to you on natural gas. You are really bullish on natural gas. So how and where do you think are the best way to play it?Mayank Maheshwari: As you were kind of talking about the intersection and diffusion between nuclear, natural gas and the renewable markets, what you're seeing is that our bullishness on consumption of natural gas is basically all about how this diffusion plays out. Consumption on natural gas will rise much quicker than most fuels for the rest of the decade, if you think about numbers – making it more than just a transition fuel.Hence, Morgan Stanley research has a list of 75 equities globally to play the thematic of this diffusion, and it is happening in the power markets. These equities are part of the natural gas adoption and the powering AI thematic as well. So, these include the equipment producers on power, the gas pipeline players who are basically supporting the supply of natural gas to some of these pipelines. Hybrid power generation companies which have a good mix of renewables, natural gas, a bit of nuclear sometimes. And infrastructure providers for energy security.So, all these 75 stocks are effective playing at the intersection of all these three thematics that we are talking about as Morgan Stanley research. It is clear that nuclear renaissance, Tim, isn't just about reactors. It's about rethinking energy systems, sustainability, and geopolitics.Tim Chan: Yes, and the last decade will be defined by how we balance ambition with execution. Nuclear together with gas and renewables will be central to Asia's energy future. Mayank, thanks for taking the time to talk,Mayank Maheshwari: Great speaking to you, Tim.Tim Chan: And thanks for listening. If you enjoy Thoughts on the Market, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share the podcast with a friend or colleague today.
Electricity demand is soaring, and some think the answer isn’t building bigger, but smaller. That’s the idea behind small modular reactors (SMRs): take a large-scale nuclear plant that’s hard to build, and shrink it down to something that’s more manageable, cheaper and easier to replicate. Instead of one huge nuclear plant, you build 10 small ones. Right now these kinds of small modular reactors are in the startup phase, with only two in commercial operation in Russia and China. So how viable is the business for these small modular reactors? And will SMRs ever become a scaled up solution for our energy needs? Rachel Slaybaugh joins Akshat Rathi on Zero to discuss. Explore further: What Are Small Nuclear Reactors and How Do SMRs Help Solve Climate Change? - Bloomberg Canada to Build $15 Billion Modular Nuclear Plant, First in G-7 - Bloomberg UK Selects Rolls-Royce to Build First Small Modular Reactors - Bloomberg China is Home to World's First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd. Special thanks to Eleanor Harrison Dengate, Siobhan Wagner, Sommer Saadi and Mohsis Andam. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Van Doren and David Kemp bring libertarian skepticism to the bipartisan political support for nuclear power. They analyze why regulatory reform alone may not solve nuclear's economic problems and discuss how recent U.S. projects have failed to deliver on promises of cost-effectiveness even after a supposed "renaissance" in the late 2000s. They finish up with a discussion on whether small modular reactors (SMRs) are the nuclear silver bullet.Show Notes:Peter Van Doren and David Kemp, Nuclear Power in the Context of Climate Change, Cato Institute Working Paper, April 27, 2023. https://www.cato.org/working-paper/nuclear-power-context-climate-change.David Kemp and Peter Van Doren, "Would a Carbon Tax Rejuvenate Nuclear Energy?" Regulation 45, no. 3 (Fall 2022). https://www.cato.org/regulation/fall-2022/would-carbon-tax-rejuvenate-nuclear-energy.David Kemp, "Nuclear Power's Newest Cautionary Tale," Cato at Liberty (blog), January 23, 2024. https://www.cato.org/blog/nuclear-powers-newest-cautionary-tale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.