Deep Dives Into Energy’s Future

An analysis of energy policy reform that proposes a 'Replace before Retirement' principle as an alternative to simple deregulation. The article argues that this common-sense approach would require adequate zero-emission replacements before retiring existing power plants, protecting both local communities and environmental goals while potentially creating natural opportunities for nuclear power adoption.

A reflection on Colorado's surprising 2023 decision to exclude nuclear from its clean energy definition, contrasted with the growing global embrace of nuclear power. The article provides a comprehensive list of regions and nations actively pursuing nuclear energy as a clean power source, highlighting Colorado's decision as increasingly out of step with worldwide trends.

A productive initial meeting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission exploring their licensing process, highlighting the agency's accessibility and willingness to engage with new nuclear projects. The article offers a positive perspective on working with nuclear regulators and their openness to discussion.

An examination of how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) policy, while well-intentioned, has become counterproductive to nuclear energy development. The article argues that overly restrictive radiation protection standards have hindered the growth of clean nuclear power without providing proportional public health benefits

A Norwegian artist's candid perspective on his country's complex relationship with energy abundance, from hydroelectric power to oil wealth. The letter explores Norway's unique approach to energy and infrastructure, its struggle with green transition, and the cultural and political challenges of moving beyond oil dependency despite international climate commitments.

A detailed breakdown of the Inflation Reduction Act's structure and energy-related provisions, focusing on tax credits, grants, and nuclear energy components. The article clarifies key distinctions between tax credits and direct funding while highlighting crucial provisions for nuclear power, clean fuels, and HALEU fuel development.

An exploration of cradle-to-grave analysis in energy production, focusing on nuclear power through reviews of two influential books: one examining the historical uranium mining on Navajo lands, and another critiquing the Yucca Mountain waste repository. The article provides context for understanding both historical mistakes in uranium mining and current nuclear waste management while addressing common misconceptions about nuclear material handling.

An analysis of nuclear power's potential to become 'The Prize' of the future energy market, comparing it to oil's historical dominance. Using detailed market calculations, the article demonstrates how replacing fossil fuels with nuclear power represents a $19 trillion global opportunity while simultaneously addressing climate change and global energy poverty.

A detailed analysis of HolosGen's innovative micro nuclear reactor design, examining its unique features including containerized size, modular construction, and triple-fluid system. The article explores both the technical innovations and market applications of this compact, transportable nuclear power solution, from disaster response to industrial applications.

A reflection on the path to nuclear innovation, using Caterpillar's engine development as an analogy for how small, iterative improvements lead to better technology. The article argues that smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors allow for faster iteration and learning, ultimately leading to more cost-effective and widely deployable nuclear power solutions."

An analysis of the ongoing debate between nuclear and renewable energy advocates, examining the true costs and efficiency of both intermittent (wind/solar) and dispatchable (nuclear) power sources. The article breaks down common arguments from both sides and explores which energy system would be more economical if deployed independently.

A comprehensive examination of nuclear waste that challenges common misconceptions, comparing it to waste from other energy sources. The article demonstrates that nuclear waste is minimal in volume, safely manageable, and poses less environmental impact than widely believed. It addresses public fears while presenting various solutions for handling spent nuclear fuel.

A vision for a transformative energy system that integrates nuclear power, carbon capture, and water purification to provide three essential resources: nearly-free electricity, sustainable transportation fuels, and clean water. The article presents small modular reactors as the foundation for this globally scalable solution.

A technical analysis of four different pathways to create carbon-neutral synthetic fuels from CO2 and water, examining their efficiency and economic viability. The article breaks down the electricity costs needed to make synthetic fuels competitive with fossil fuels, revealing promising routes to decarbonize transportation and industry without replacing existing infrastructure.

A provocative proposal for oil and gas companies to pool resources into nuclear technology development, particularly small modular reactors. The article challenges the conventional wisdom about nuclear development costs and suggests that the oil and gas sector's experience with innovation and large-scale investments makes them ideal partners in advancing nuclear energy."

A detailed response to the Department of Energy's Request for Information on nuclear waste storage, advocating for faster implementation of storage solutions. The article argues that current timelines are too slow, emphasizing that nuclear waste poses minimal risks compared to other energy sources' environmental impacts, and proposes strategies for community engagement and expedited facility development.

A call to action regarding the Department of Energy's consent-based siting initiative for nuclear waste storage, highlighting the opportunity for communities to voluntarily host storage facilities. The article explains the DOE's Request for Information process, emphasizes the manageable nature of nuclear waste, and encourages public participation in shaping nuclear waste storage solutions.

A forward-looking perspective on energy automation that draws parallels with agriculture's evolution, envisioning a future where minimal human labor is needed for energy production. The article argues that freeing humanity from resource-intensive energy production could unlock time for more ambitious pursuits, from space exploration to environmental restoration.

A data-driven comparison of the land area needed to power the entire United States using different energy sources. The analysis examines real-world examples using EIA data and Google Earth to calculate the spatial requirements for solar, wind, oil, gas, and nuclear power generation, revealing nuclear's remarkably small land footprint compared to alternatives.