Fire2Fission Podcast

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.

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Michael Crabb, SVP Commercial at Last Energy. They discuss Last Energy's background and their mission to build, own, and operate micro nuclear power plants. Michael shares his experience in the energy industry and the challenges faced by the nuclear industry. They also talk about the importance of learning, collaboration, and competition in driving innovation and progress. The nuclear industry faces challenges, both logical and nefarious, but success depends on letting market results dictate winners. Data centers are a hot customer segment, especially with the addition of environmental targets. Other potential customers include mid-scale manufacturing industries that require their own gas CHP units. EV charging is challenging due to the need for baseload power and creditworthy counterparties. Building prototypes has taught valuable lessons in technical design and contract management. The US market faces economic and regulatory challenges, but there is momentum for change. Capital markets are increasingly interested in nuclear, and early deployment capital is crucial for project origination. The future should be an industry that fosters innovation and competition.

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman and Ryan Pickering interview Heather Feldman, the director of training and development at EPRI. They discuss the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation (GFNI) and the importance of innovation and education in the energy sector. Heather shares her background in mechanical engineering and her experience working on the space shuttle program. She explains how her time in the space industry prepared her for her role at EPRI and the importance of safety culture in both industries. The conversation also covers the three GFNI events and the focus on technology innovations, learning from organizations outside of energy, and creating a culture of innovation. Heather introduces the Ambition Into Action framework, which helps individuals and organizations turn ambitions into outcomes through specific actions and behaviors. The Global Forum on Nuclear Innovation is a transformative event that aims to accelerate the deployment of innovation in nuclear energy. It is a personal journey for participants, who gain insights and transform throughout the week. The forum focuses on technology innovations, culture, and turning ambition into action. The event has achieved its original vision of accelerating the deployment of innovation in nuclear energy. The future of nuclear energy includes collaboration, building a strong workforce, and having conversations to create positive change.

In this episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Lauren Thew, President of Bluestone Group, about her background in the nuclear industry and the role of technical staff augmentation in nuclear projects. They discuss the need for more young professionals in the industry and the importance of spreading awareness about nuclear power. Lauren emphasizes the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the need for government funding to support the development of nuclear projects. She encourages individuals to get involved by spreading the word about nuclear power and its benefits.

In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Martin Hjelmeland, a postdoc researcher in Norway. They discuss Martin's background in energy and environmental engineering, his work in hydropower scheduling, and his interest in nuclear energy. They also touch on Norway's nuclear history and the country's transition from oil and gas to nuclear. The conversation highlights the importance of energy system modeling and the potential role of nuclear power in a renewable energy system. The conversation explores the potential for nuclear energy in Norway and the challenges it faces. It discusses the need for understanding reservoir flow and injection locations, the success of tracer technology in enhancing oil production, and the importance of simulation software in the oil and gas industry. The conversation also touches on the changing sentiment towards nuclear energy in Norway, the controversy surrounding a report on nuclear energy, and the need for a more balanced approach to energy solutions. The ONS conference is mentioned as an opportunity to further discuss the topic. Link to Martin’s research project on “Nuclear Energy’s role in a Renewable Energy System (NERES)”: https://www.ntnu.edu/iel/neres

In this episode of Fire2Fission, Mark Hinaman talks with Jeff Whitt from Framatome about the changing dynamics of nuclear energy. From his journey in the field to spearheading initiatives for the US government, Jeff sheds light on the pivotal role of nuclear power in environmental sustainability, the obstacles of innovation and talent acquisition, and the promising future of advanced reactor technologies.

Mark Hinaman talks with Craig Ranson from Framatome about the nuclear industry's past, present, and future. From robotics to reactor vessel examination and the challenges of expanding nuclear energy, Craig provides insights into Framatome's contributions and the industry's need for innovation and new talent.