Fire2Fission Podcast

In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman interviews Sam Gibson, founder and CEO of Hadron Energy. They discuss Hadron's mission to develop a light water microreactor, the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector, and Sam's journey from South Dakota to becoming a young entrepreneur in the energy industry. Sam shares insights into Hadron's strategy, the importance of community support for nuclear projects, and his vision for the future of clean energy.

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman is joined by Brennan Moore, Andrew Meehan, and Ryan Pickering to discuss the future of nuclear energy and financing. They explore the parallels between nuclear and other energy sectors, the importance of government support, and the challenges of nuclear waste management. The conversation highlights the potential for innovation in nuclear technology and the need for strategic investment and collaboration.

In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman talks with Steven Zhang, a political science student at Columbia University and co-founder of the NiCE club Columbia Chapter. The discuss NiCE's impact in changing perceptions about nuclear energy, and the role of public-private partnerships in advancing nuclear projects. Steven shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in nuclear financing, the growth of the NiCE club, and the evolving landscape of energy policy.

In this special episode, join Mark and the Fire2Fission interns as they tackle the myths and misconceptions surrounding nuclear waste, revealing its untapped energy potential and the realities of its management. We contrast this with the challenges of produced water in the oil and gas industry, highlighting innovative solutions and the importance of education in changing public perception. Join us to uncover the truth about nuclear waste, and find out how big (or small) the issue really is.  Article: https://www.fire2fission.com/articles/a-matter-of-scale-what-nuclear-can-learn-from-oil-gas-waste-managementComic: https://what-if.xkcd.com/29/ 

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman interviews Stephanie Fishman, a Senior Associate and nuclear regulatory attorney at Hogan-Lovells. They discuss Stephanie's journey from studying nuclear engineering to working in global nuclear security and eventually becoming a nuclear regulatory attorney. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear industry, including regulatory changes, the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition, and the impact of international partnerships. Stephanie shares insights on the evolving landscape of nuclear law and the importance of advanced reactors in the future of energy.

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jam Pedersen, co-founder and CEO of Copenhagen Atomics, to explore the advancements in thorium molten salt reactors. Learn how this innovative technology promises to deliver low-cost, sustainable energy by improving neutron economy and reducing structural costs. Thomas shares insights into the company's journey and their vision for a future where energy is abundant and affordable. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of nuclear energy and its potential to transform global energy landscapes.

We welcome Nick Touran, the visionary behind What Is Nuclear. Nick shares his journey discovering nuclear power as an undergrad and founding a website dedicated to educating the public about nuclear energy.We explore Nick's 16-year tenure at TerraPower and discuss technological shifts in the nuclear industry, from large light water reactors to the rise of microreactors and advanced technologies. Nick discusses his passion for digitizing old nuclear films and the importance of learning from past innovations.Tune in for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of nuclear technology. #NuclearInnovation #EnergyFuture #Podcasthttps://whatisnuclear.com/https://www.amazon.com/First-Nuclear-Era-Times-Technological/dp/1563963582

In this insightful episode, host Mark Hinaman explores the groundbreaking plans of Geo2Watts with guests Bill Bartling and Wes Cruver. Discover how they are pioneering the transformation of end-of-life oil wells into sustainable energy storage solutions. Their innovative approach involves using phase change materials and solar energy to create a zero-emission system. Tune in to learn about the potential economic and environmental benefits of this ambitious project and the exciting future of energy storage.

In this podcast, Rob Alexander delves into the groundbreaking use of aluminum disks in energy storage. The discussion centers around their innovative process that utilizes waste aluminum, transforming it into a cost-effective and sustainable energy carrier. Rob also outlines a strategic vision for using these aluminum disks to bolster energy security by keeping scrap aluminum within the United States.

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Tayler Amatto, Associate Principal at Charles River Associates and future president of the Energy Leadership Institute. Tayler shares her journey through the energy sector, discussing the evolution of energy markets, the role of nuclear and natural gas, and the transformative impact of the Energy Leadership Institute. Discover how cross-sector collaboration and innovative leadership are shaping the future of energy. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, Tayler's perspectives offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.Tune in to explore the dynamic world of energy and the leaders driving its future. Interested? Apply now:https://theenergyleadershipinstitute.org/application Email us at info@theenergyleadershipinstitute.org with any questions.

Join us in this insightful episode of the Fire2Fission podcast as Mark Hinaman sits down with Neil Wilmshurst, Senior VP at EPRI. Neil shares his journey from the Royal Navy to becoming a leader in the nuclear industry, offering unique perspectives on global nuclear programs. Discover how Spain's nuclear program sets a benchmark and learn about Argentina's resilience in completing the Atucha project. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of the nuclear sector, and Neil's plans for the future.

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Brett Rampal, a nuclear energy expert and senior director at Veriten. They discuss Brett's journey in nuclear engineering, his experiences at various companies, and his current role at Veriten, where he focuses on energy strategy and investment. The conversation also explores the differences between nuclear and renewable technologies, the importance of staying informed in the energy sector, and the challenges faced by the nuclear industry. In this conversation, Brett Rampal discusses the complexities of nuclear energy, emphasizing the importance of rational dialogue, the need for middle ground in discussions, and the role of technology and business solutions in advancing the industry. He highlights the significance of collaboration over competition, the challenges of regulatory pathways, and the future potential of nuclear energy, including the emergence of microreactors and the necessity for real investment and ownership in projects.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:42 Brett Rampal's Background and Career Path04:21 The Nuclear Industry and Its Challenges07:08 Insights from Working at Westinghouse10:18 Transition to New Scale Power and Clean Air Task Force13:22 Current Role at Veriton and Investment Strategies16:12 Collaboration in the Nuclear Industry19:29 Comparing Nuclear and Oil & Gas Industries22:07 Future of Nuclear Energy and Investment Opportunities46:23 Understanding the Energy Landscape49:27 Veriton's Role in Energy Investment53:04 Podcasts as a Platform for Energy Dialogue55:20 Navigating the Nuclear and Renewable Energy Divide01:04:55 The Pursuit of Knowledge in Energy01:12:36 Finding the Middle Ground in Energy Discussions01:18:58 Business Solutions for Energy Challenges01:33:36 The Quest for Nuclear Solutions01:38:48 Invisible Leaders in Nuclear Development01:39:18 Collaboration vs Competition in Nuclear01:44:43 The Data Gap in Nuclear Fuel Management01:48:33 Making the Nuclear Pie Bigger01:54:40 The Future of Nuclear Energy02:03:38 Navigating Anti-Nuclear Perspectives02:10:59 A Vision for Nuclear's Future

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with returning guest Liz Muller, CEO and co-founder of Deep Fission, about the innovative approach to nuclear energy through deep borehole reactors. They discuss the transition from Deep Isolation to Deep Fission, the technical and economic aspects of the new reactor design, and the […]

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with Dr. Jenifer Shafer, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, about her journey into the field of nuclear energy and her research on nuclear fuel recycling and waste management. They discuss the evolution of energy sources, the importance of nuclear energy in providing […]

In this episode Mark Hinaman interviews Mathias Meyer and David Harestad, who helped create Klimavenner Kjernakraft– Climate Friends for Nuclear Power in Norway. They discuss the potential for nuclear power in Norway and the importance of advocating for nuclear energy for addressing climate change and energy poverty. They outline how they became one of the […]

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman speaks with Aimee Tooker, a community leader from Nucla, Colorado, about the challenges and opportunities facing her small town, particularly in the wake of the closure of the local coal plant. Aimee shares insights into the community’s history with mining, agriculture, and the impact […]

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with Matt Solomon, project manager of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI) and the Survey 1 Report, about the transition from coal to alternative energy sources in Colorado. As Matt walks through the survey report, they discuss the necessity of the feasibility study to […]

With a short forward by Mark Hinaman, this episode of Fire2Fission is a recording of a panel discussion in Norway at the ONS Conference in August 2024, on which Mark was invited to join by previous Fire2Fission guest, Martin Hjelmeland (see Episode 054). Martin and Mark are joined by Doug Sandridge (also a former guest on Episode 001), Nathan Snoke, Scott Livingston, and Øystein Stjern. Martin invited the panel to discuss the potential of oil and gas companies to contribute to nuclear energy, emphasizing that oil and gas companies have the capital, cash, and experience to perform the research and development necessary to build nuclear reactors. They discussed how the growing demand for electrification, electric vehicles, AI and growing public support make it difficult to stop the current momentum of this new renaissance of nuclear energy across the globe.

On this episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Florencia Renteria, PhD in Nuclear Science and Technology. They discuss various topics related to the nuclear industry, including; high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology, her nuclear energy education and experience from around the world, and the importance of international collaboration in the nuclear industry. Florencia also shares her experiences working with organizations like Women in Nuclear and the International Youth Nuclear Congress. She highlights the role of innovation in the nuclear industry and the future of nuclear energy in Mexico, her home country, as well.

Trey Lauderdale, the founder and CEO of Atomic Canyon, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nuclear power industry. Atomic Canyon focuses on bringing next-generation technologies to the existing nuclear power fleet to drive efficiencies and make nuclear power more efficient and cost-effective. Trey explains the intersection of fast-moving AI technology and the slow-moving, risk-averse nuclear industry. He shares his background in healthcare IT and how it led him to the nuclear industry. Trey also discusses the importance of open sourcing AI models and the future monetization plans for Atomic Canyon. The conversation explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nuclear power industry. Trey Lauderdale discusses the digital transformation of healthcare as a parallel to the potential transformation in nuclear power. He emphasizes the need for a nuclear operating system built on AI to improve efficiency and streamline processes. The conversation also highlights the importance of data in AI and the abundance of data in the nuclear industry. Trey predicts that nuclear power will become the most advanced segment from an AI perspective in the next five to ten years. He also discusses the intersection of big tech and energy, suggesting that tech companies will become energy companies, potentially including nuclear energy.