109: Why Nuclear? Why Now? Setting the Stage for a New Energy Conversation

In this solo kickoff to a brand new series, host Girish Shivakumar takes listeners on a personal journey — from joining the renewable energy movement post-Fukushima to now exploring the evolving role of nuclear energy in our net-zero future.

Why is nuclear suddenly back on the agenda for governments and tech giants? What has changed between 2011 and 2025? And why is this often-controversial topic essential to understand now?

This episode sets the context for a series that dives into nuclear energy with a neutral lens — unpacking the science, safety, technology, policy, and real-world implications with voices from across the spectrum.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why nuclear energy has been a taboo topic in clean energy circles
• The Fukushima moment and its impact on Girish’s career choice
• The resurgence of nuclear in the clean energy dialogue
• How AI and data center demands are shifting energy strategies
• The motivation behind this new podcast series on nuclear

Links & Resources:

• Follow the podcast: missionshunya.com
• Connect with Girish on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/girishshivakumar

Artwork courtesy: www.terregeneration.com – a content agency specialising in storytelling across climate, biodiversity, and sustainability. 
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