Energy Dense Discussions

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 future of nuclear energy in addressing climate change. Liz shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear sector, including regulatory hurdles, safety considerations, and the importance of a robust fuel supply chain.

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 chemistry and her research on nuclear fuel recycling and waste management. They discuss the evolution of energy sources, the importance of nuclear energy in providing low-emission electricity, and the complexities of nuclear waste. Dr. Shafer shares insights from her time at PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) and Hanford, her PhD research, the Purex process, and the role of private sector investments in advancing nuclear technologies. The conversation highlights the need for innovation and investment in nuclear fuel recycling research and the potential for future advancements in the field.

In this podcast episode, Mathias Meyer and David Harestad, founders of Norway’s pro-nuclear organization "Klimavenner for Kjernekraft" (Climate Friends for Nuclear Power), discuss Norway's shift toward nuclear energy and their advocacy work. Initially skeptical, both Meyer and Harestad turned pro-nuclear after exploring its potential to provide clean, stable energy and reduce environmental harm. They detail the challenges they face, including opposition from traditional environmental groups, and their strategy of grassroots mobilization to change public opinion and political perspectives on nuclear energy in Norway. Highlighting events like Norway's Offshore Northern Sea Oil and Gas Conference (ONS), they describe how nuclear energy discussions have gained traction among industry leaders and the public. They attribute part of their success to support from international allies, including American nuclear advocates, and foresee potential nuclear development in Norway within the next decade.

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 of recent economic transitions. The conversation delves into the proposed national monument that threatens local mining interests (including Uranium!) and the community's fight to maintain their economic independence while balancing environmental concerns. Aimee emphasizes the importance of local voices in decision-making processes and the need for a collaborative approach to conservation and resource management.

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 Northwest Colorado. As Matt walks through the survey report released in June, they discuss the necessity of the feasibility study to address the impending closure of coal plants, the importance of community engagement through surveys, and the public's perception of nuclear energy as a viable solution. The conversation highlights the need for fact-based discussions, the political landscape surrounding energy policies, and the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change. Solomon emphasizes the importance of understanding community needs and the potential for integrated energy solutions that include nuclear power.

New Podcast episode! This one is a little different than our usual episode. Featuring a panel discussion that took place in Norway at the ONS (Offshore North Sea) Conference in August 2024, on which Mark was invited to join by previous @Fire2Fission podcast guest, Martin Hjelmeland (see F2F Episode 054). Before that gets going, Mark introduces us to the Consortium model that F2F is driving forward. Please reach out to us if you want to hear more and collaborate with us as we seek to extend nuclear’s reach in the oil and gas industry. Visit our website at www.Fire2Fission.com and send us a message. The world needs more energy and we are here to build it.

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.

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.

Mark Hinaman interviews Sean Farrell, Senior Vice President of Operations at TeraWulf, a company focused on zero-carbon cryptocurrency mining. Farrell shares his extensive background in the energy sector, including his time at Siemens and Siemens Gamesa. He discusses TeraWulf's unique approach to sustainable crypto mining, leveraging existing infrastructure at retired power plants, and the importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) in the industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving energy landscape, particularly around nuclear energy and its integration with cryptocurrency mining operations.

Host Mark Hinaman interviews Doomberg, an anonymous energy analyst and head writer for the Doomberg Substack. They discuss the importance of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and energy needs, criticizing the nuclear industry's lack of effective marketing and political advocacy. Doomberg advocates for a more assertive approach in promoting nuclear power, emphasizing its benefits over renewable sources. The conversation also touches on the challenges and potential strategies for advancing nuclear energy in the current political and social landscape.

Caleb Tomlin, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, discusses the transition from coal to nuclear power. He explains the research being done on synthetic fuels and the opportunities for nuclear beyond electricity. Caleb highlights the challenges and considerations involved in converting coal plants to nuclear, including site characterization, technology and design selection, and securing land and transmission rights. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and workforce development in the transition process. Caleb also shares his optimistic vision for the future, envisioning an expansion of nuclear power and its role in providing abundant, cheap, and clean energy.

Host Mark Hinaman interviews Arjun Murti, Partner at Veriten. Murti discusses the complexities of energy transition, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental concerns with the need for reliable and affordable energy. The conversation delves into various topics, including the role of traditional and renewable energy sources, the impact of market dynamics on energy strategies, and the future of energy consumption globally. Murti offers insights into the energy sector's evolution, addressing both challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable energy solutions.

Mark Hinaman interviews Dr. Joshua Goldstein, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at American University and Research Scholar at the University of Massachusetts. Goldstein, an environmentalist and author, discusses his shift from anti-nuclear to pro-nuclear views, the role of nuclear power in climate change mitigation, and the impact of societal perceptions on nuclear energy. He emphasizes the need for affordable and scalable nuclear solutions to address global energy demands and climate challenges.

Mark Hinaman interviews Irina Slav, a seasoned energy writer with a focus on the oil and gas sector. Their discussion pivots around energy supply dynamics, the pivotal role of nuclear power, and the limitations of renewables like wind and solar. They delve into the geopolitical energy landscape, especially concerning Eastern Europe and the EU. The episode concludes with actionable insights for promoting nuclear energy, centering on policy advocacy and government engagement.

This episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast featured Bob Hargraves, co-founder of ThorCon International, discussing nuclear power's economic viability and the importance of cost reduction. Hargraves shared his diverse background, including software development and consulting in the energy sector, and his transition to advocating for nuclear power. The discussion also covered ThorCon's focus on molten salt reactors and their unique approach using ships as power plants. Listeners interested in nuclear energy innovation are encouraged to explore ThorCon's work and the potential of molten salt reactors in addressing energy needs.

Shawn Connors speaks with Mark Hinaman about his career in the publishing business, his admiration of the nuclear energy industry, and the opportunity nuclear energy has to tell an optimistic story about it's capability to save the world. They also discuss Connors' new novel, Chain Reaction, which tells the story of a young, female, pro-nuclear scientist and environmentalist trying to save a nuclear power plant from closing.

DJ Hanson sits down to discuss with Mark Hinaman the thorium fuel cycle, molten salt reactors, and Flibe Energy's strategy to commercialize the technology in the United States.

Everett Redomond, Senior Director of Fuel Affairs at Oklo, discusses his career history at Holtec, NEI, and his new role at Oklo. He covers a lot of the nuance around the uranium fuel cycle and how the nuclear energy industry faces shortages in the future if domestic conversion and enrichment capacities aren't increased.

Tiffany Dickenson and Mark Hinaman discuss the economic struggles of northwest Colorado, the challenges for communities associated with closing coal mines and coal fired power plants, and how nuclear energy can be a viable replacement during the energy transition.