Rethinking Nuclear: Lessons from Canada with Dr. Chris Keefer

In this episode, Dr Chris Keefer, emergency physician, founder of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, and host of the Decouple podcast, joins the Centre for Independent Studies for an insightful exploration of Canada’s nuclear success story.

In conversation with CIS Director of Energy Research Aidan Morrison, Keefer reflects on Canada’s bold energy choices—from phasing out coal and developing its own reactor design to reviving nuclear infrastructure for new industrial applications.

Together, they unpack key questions relevant to Australia's energy future:

• Why did Canada pioneer its own reactor model, and how has it served the nation?

• What political and economic factors enabled a nuclear resurgence in some regions but not others?

• How can nuclear work alongside renewables to strengthen energy reliability?

With first-hand industry knowledge and global perspective, Keefer sheds light on the policies, public debates, and technical achievements that have shaped Canada's approach—and what lessons Australia might take forward.