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 Nuclear Energy and National Security Coalition, his initial views on the Trump administration's recent nuclear-related executive orders, the significance of U.S. nuclear exports in reducing proliferation risks, and the steps needed to resurrect the domestic nuclear fuel industry. The conversation also addresses the future of nuclear technology, including the development of advanced reactors, and the steps necessary to support a nuclear resurgence in the U.S.

Daniel Poneman served as President and CEO of Centrus Energy Corp. from 2015 through 2023, restoring the company to profitability and deploying the first U.S.-technology uranium enrichment facility to begin production since 1954. Mr. Poneman served as Deputy Secretary of Energy from 2009 through 2014. As Chief Operating Officer of the Department, Mr. Poneman’s responsibilities spanned all energy technology and nuclear security issues. He led 2009 negotiations to address Iran’s nuclear program, chaired the Credit Review Board approval of $30 billion in projects accelerating the widespread deployment of electric vehicles and renewable power, played an instrumental role in the Department’s response to crises from Fukushima to the Libyan civil war to Superstorm Sandy, and led efforts to strengthen emergency response and cybersecurity across the energy sector.

He served six years at the National Security Council under Presidents Bush and Clinton, including three as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Nonproliferation and Export Controls.

In the private sector, Mr. Poneman has advised on corporate transactions as a principal of The Scowcroft Group and as a partner in the law firm of Hogan & Hartson, and currently serves in a number of board and consulting roles. Mr. Poneman received A.B. and J.D. degrees with honors from Harvard and an M.Litt. from Oxford.

He is the author of Double Jeopardy: Combating Nuclear Terror and Climate Change, Argentina: Democracy on Trial, and Nuclear Power in the Developing World. His third book, Going Critical: The First North Korean Nuclear Crisis (co-authored with Joel Wit and Robert Gallucci), received the 2005 Douglas Dillon Award for Distinguished Writing on American Diplomacy. He has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government and the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit from the Republic of Korea.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - https://ucanpower.org/

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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 provides valuable insights on the characteristics of high temperature gas cooled reactors, the growth of the company, the importance of TRISO fuel, and the potential for using nuclear power for industrial processes and space applications. Further, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the nuclear industry, including the use of inherent safety features, partnerships with companies like Dow Chemical and Amazon, and the future of nuclear energy in a decarbonized world.

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 competitive advantages of American nuclear technology, and the role of AI in streamlining nuclear regulation. The episode concludes with a look at the future of nuclear energy and its critical role in supporting high-tech industries and national security.

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 Partnership (GNEP) and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, as well as advances in reactor technologies. He provides an overview of his work with Aalo Atomics, a start-up reactor development company, and the role of nuclear energy in powering today's AI and data center revolution. Tim expresses optimism about the future of the nuclear industry and the potential for new reactor technologies to play a significant role in energy production, in the U.S. and around the globe.

Tim Frazier brings over 35 years of experience in the nuclear industry, including nearly 23 years with the United States Department of Energy (DOE), where he held senior positions within the Office of Nuclear Energy and other divisions. His expertise spans nuclear energy, nuclear policy, the backend of the nuclear fuel cycle, non-proliferation, nuclear space power, and congressional, state, local, and stakeholder communications. During his DOE tenure, he managed nuclear operations and facilities both in the field and from headquarters, leading large, multidisciplinary project teams that included national laboratories and private-sector contractors

Currently, Tim holds multiple roles: Vice President of Government Programs at Aalo Atomics, Operating Partner for Nuclear Project Development at Cross River Infrastructure Partners, and Senior Advisor to the CEO at Zeno Power Systems. His work focuses on nuclear innovation, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships across government and industry.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - https://ucanpower.org/

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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 on nuclear energy in our country. The conversation highlights NASEO's Advanced Nuclear First Movers Initiative, where 11 states have banded together to catalyze new nuclear deployments, NASEO's work with other nuclear-focused organizations, and the importance of public-private partnerships in bringing advanced nuclear technologies to market.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - https://ucanpower.org/

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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, the establishment of DICE, the challenges and future prospects of AI supporting the nuclear industry, and the potential for significant improvements in reactor efficiency, remote operations, and licensing efficiency. The discussion also covers the use of multiple AI programs and the importance of human oversight in AI applications.

Chris Ritter is the division director of scientific computing & AI and director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). His team of ~100 computational and data scientists are changing the world’s future with AI/ML, digital twinning, digital engineering, multi-physics, HPC, and digital thread technologies across a portfolio of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, semiconductor, and defense applications.

Chris founded INL's nationally leading digital engineering team which grew from 0 to over ~57 of the nation’s top researchers and developers in digital science. His team led the first nuclear reactor digital twin, built the Deep Lynx open digital thread platform, developed the first autonomous non-nuclear microreactor, and is actively building multiple petabyte-scale digital thread platforms. Additionally, he co-president of Newcomers in Leadership and Chief Digital Officer of SMART USA. Prior to INL, Chris co-founded and led development of the #1 cloud-native MBSE tool, Innoslate, used in 107 counties across 2,000 companies around the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Advanced Nuclear

02:00 Chris Ritter's Journey to INL

04:00 The Creation of DICE at INL

07:11 Understanding Digital Twins

10:49 Accuracy and Applications of Digital Twins

16:02 Future Work and Innovations in Digital Twins

18:06 Reducing Risk and Optimizing Performance with AI

22:37 Barriers to Entry in Nuclear Technology

23:38 Current State of AI Adoption in Nuclear

26:25 The Role of AI in Reactor Design

32:57 AI in Licensing and Regulatory Processes

36:34 Future of AI in Reactor Operations and Design

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power

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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 communications and business strategy, the importance of transparency, the challenges faced by new nuclear startups, and the evolving landscape of nuclear energy amid geopolitical changes and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the significance of branding and the recent pledge to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050.

Jarret has more than 25 years of international experience in corporate communications. He created Full On to help the nuclear energy sector tell its story better. He previously worked at AREVA, where he served as Vice President of Communications and Director of Media Relations and Online Communications. He has also served as a Senior Communications Consultant for the U.S. Nuclear Energy Institute.

Prior to creating Full On Communications, Jarret was a Director of Communications for an international public relations agency based in the United Arab Emirates and focusing on the clean energy sector. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from the George Washington University. He also attended the Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme, a graduate school of journalism, in France.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power

03:05 Jared Adams: Background and Philosophy

05:58 The Importance of Effective Communication

09:01 Engaging Communities on Nuclear Power

12:02 Navigating Public Perception and Misconceptions

15:01 Challenges for New Nuclear Startups

17:48 Cost and Efficiency in Nuclear Energy

20:54 Avoiding Communication Pitfalls

24:09 Branding and Messaging in Nuclear

26:48 Geopolitical and Technological Changes

29:57 Documentary: Nuclear Resurgence

32:59 The Tripling Nuclear Power by 2050 Pledge

34:10 Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

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 public perception, the importance of collaboration with the data center industry and other end-users, and the future of nuclear energy in the U.S.

Liz is a serial entrepreneur at the forefront of nuclear energy and environmental innovation. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Deep Fission, a groundbreaking nuclear energy startup transforming the industry by placing reactors a mile underground. Previously, she served as CEO of Deep Isolation, a pioneering nuclear waste company, where she now serves as Executive Chairwoman. Liz also founded Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit delivering critical data science on climate change.

A named inventor on multiple patents, Liz was recognized as a Clean Energy Rising Star by Business Insider in 2020. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a published author, backpacker, dance instructor, and proud mother of two, based in the Bay Area.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Podcast

01:30 Meet Liz Muller: A Leader in Nuclear Innovation

02:33 Liz's Journey into the Nuclear Industry

04:01 Deep Isolation and the Birth of Deep Fission

07:03 Innovative Reactor Design: A Mile Underground

11:01 Cost Efficiency of Borehole Reactors

12:01 Manufacturing and Fuel Considerations

13:52 Operational Characteristics of the Reactor

15:02 Deployment and Accuracy of Boreholes

16:44 Rapid Deployment of Nuclear Reactors

18:15 Safety Advantages of Underground Reactors

20:30 Environmental Considerations and Public Perception

21:00 Geological Flexibility and Deployment Locations

22:01 Disposal and Retrieval of Spent Fuel

23:31 Target Industries for Nuclear Power

24:17 Military Applications of Underground Reactors

25:55 Addressing Public Concerns about Nuclear Power

27:12 Financial Viability and Market Response

29:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

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 opportunities in the advanced nuclear sector and the need for diverse technologies to meet global energy demands.

Jordan is the Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources, where he drives innovative engineering solutions and oversees critical program development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Austin College, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Dallas, and an MBA from Abilene Christian University, equipping him with a unique blend of technical prowess and strategic leadership. With a career that began in technical and engineering management roles within the semiconductor and oil and gas industries, Robison brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position at Natura Resources.

Since joining Natura Resources in 2020, Robison has played a pivotal role in advancing Natura Resources' molten salt reactor technology, guiding both university research initiatives and commercial development efforts. He works closely with faculty and staff from Natura’s five university partners—Abilene Christian University (ACU), Georgia Tech, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Tech University—while collaborating with the teams at Zachry Nuclear Engineering and Teledyne Brown Engineering to advance the detailed design of the Natura MSR-1 demonstration system that is being deployed at ACU.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power

01:30 Natura Resources: Company Overview and Mission

03:26 Natura's Innovative Approach to Reactor Deployment

07:53 Commercial Projects and Applications

11:21 Leveraging University Partnerships for Success

15:16 Understanding Molten Salt Reactor Technology

19:40 Safety Features of Molten Salt Reactors

21:16 Modular Construction Benefits

23:41 Fuel Supply and Regulatory Engagement

28:05 Exploring Market Opportunities and Applications

35:35 Conclusion and Future Outlook

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power

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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 as the role of nuclear in national security and space exploration. The conversation highlights the urgency of investing in education and training to inspire the next generation of nuclear professionals.

Dominique is a mission-driven strategist and connector working at the intersection of national security, nuclear innovation, and space technology. As founder of Mission Evangelists and partner at Partners in Air and Space, she helps organizations align tech, people, and purpose for maximum impact. With nearly 20 years of experience across the DoD, Intelligence Community, nuclear industry, Silicon Valley, and commercial space sector—including leadership roles at Maxar and NGA—Dominique turns complex challenges into clear missions. A professional speaker and former TV personality, she’s known for making bold ideas feel personal, actionable, and inspiring.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower