As pressure mounts to modernize America’s energy systems, nuclear power is back on the table. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Koroush Shirvan, nuclear expert and professor in MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, to break down the fundamentals of nuclear energy and its potential role in national security. Together, they explore what powers today’s nuclear plants, how they compare to coal, and the infrastructure, training, and regulation required to bring new facilities online.

Dr. Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies

References:

VIDEO: “How Does Nuclear Energy Work? – Presentation by Professor Koroush Shirvan (MIT).” YouTube, uploaded by the Australian Nuclear Association, 2024.