Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe is joined by Dan Poneman, an internationally-recognized expert on nuclear energy policy and America's longest-serving Deputy Secretary of Energy. They explore the evolution of nuclear policy in the U.S, the importance of bipartisan support, and the relationship between government and the nuclear industry. Poneman shares his insights on the priorities of the nonprofit Nu...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast we hear from Harlan Bowers, Senior Vice President of X-energy, one of America's leading reactor and nuclear fuel developers. He talks about X-energy's advancements in nuclear technology, particularly focusing on the Xe-100 reactor and its applications, and his work leading the deployment of four Xe-100s under the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Development Program. Bowers pr...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, our host speaks with Todd Abrajano, President and CEO of the United States Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC), to discuss the evolution of USNIC, Todd's journey into the nuclear industry, and the growing demand for advanced nuclear technologies. The wide-ranging conversation highlights the importance of the fuel supply chain, the geopolitical implications of US nuclear exports, the com...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, Tim Frazier, a veteran in the nuclear industry, discusses his extensive career in government and the private sector, focusing first on his work with radioisotope power systems used in deep space exploration, the potential for using alternative isotopes, and the future of nuclear propulsion in space. The wide-ranging conversation covers Tim's work with the Global Nuclear Energy Partne...

The critical role of the states in the ongoing resurgence of nuclear power across America is the topic for this week's show. In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power, Kirsten Verclas and Kelsey Jones from the nonprofit National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) explore the roles of state energy offices, their collaboration with the Department of Energy and Congress, and the growing focus o...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Chris Ritter, a nationally-recognized leader in AI applications and the Director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence (DICE) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), explores how AI can enhance the design, licensing, and operation of nuclear technologies, particularly through the use of digital twins—virtual models that mirror physical assets. Chris shares his journey to INL, th...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Jarret Adams, founder and CEO of Full On Communications, about the importance of effective external and internal communications in the nuclear industry. They discuss the need for clear and consistent messaging to engage communities, address public misconceptions, and promote the benefits of nuclear power. Adams emphasizes the inseparable nature of communicat...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Fission, about her company's innovative approach to nuclear power. They discuss Liz's background, the unique design that places nuclear reactors in mile-deep boreholes, and the potential benefits of this approach, including cost efficiency, safety, and shortened time to deployment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of pu...

Jim Howe speaks with Jordan Robison, Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources. They discuss the company's innovative approach to advanced nuclear technology, focusing on molten salt reactors and their potential applications. Robison shares insights on Natura's rapid progress, partnerships with universities, and the importance of regulatory engagement. The conversation highlights the growing opportuni...

Host Jim Howe speaks with Dominique Cooper, a passionate advocate for nuclear energy and its skilled workforce. They discuss the importance of nuclear in producing clean energy, the need for a trained workforce to support the industry's growth, and the diverse career opportunities available in nuclear. Dominique emphasizes the significance of community engagement and transparency in building trust around nuclear projects, as well a...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Jake Jurewicz, CEO of Blue Energy, about his company's innovative approach for deploying advanced nuclear technologies. They discuss the unique value proposition of Blue Energy, focusing on modular plant architecture, cost and time savings, safety benefits, and refueling issues. The conversation also covers regulatory engagement with the NRC, the business mo...

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Marc Nichol, Executive Director of New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). They discuss the evolution of advanced nuclear technologies, the importance of safety features, and the various applications of nuclear energy beyond electricity production, including medical isotopes and space propulsion. The conversation also covers the role of nuclear po...

In this inaugural episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe and guest Lucian Niemeyer discuss the critical role of advanced nuclear technologies in securing America's energy future. They explore the challenges facing energy production, the military's perspective on nuclear power, and the importance of government leadership in advancing nuclear strategies. The conversation also delves into the implications of artificial...