Mission Shunya

Artificial Intelligence is fueling a surge in global electricity demand — with data centers emerging as one of the fastest-growing energy consumers. But can our current systems keep up sustainably?

In this final episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear energy series, I speak with Ruan Steyn, a nuclear energy expert, about the role nuclear power could play in supporting the AI revolution.

We discuss:
 ⚡ The scale of AI-driven energy demand and what it means for grids
 ☢️ Why nuclear is being revisited as a reliable, low-carbon option
 📊 The economics and scalability of nuclear compared with alternatives
 🌍 What it would take to align nuclear with sustainability goals

From data centers to decarbonization, this episode highlights how nuclear is increasingly being viewed not just as part of the clean energy transition, but as part of the digital transition too.

And a quick update before we close this series: Mission Shunya is now ranked among the top energy transition podcasts worldwide by Feedspot (see the list here)
A big thank you to all listeners for helping make this possible!

Follow Ruan Steyn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ruan-steyn

🎙 Hosted by Girish Shivakumar
📍 Mission Shunya — conversations towards the global zero carbon transition

Nuclear fusion is often described as the holy grail of clean energy — but why has it remained so elusive, and what makes plasma confinement such a critical challenge?

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we speak with Dr. Katarina Bendtz, a computational physicist at Novatron Fusion Group, a Swedish startup developing a radically different approach to magnetic confinement.

We dive into:
 ⚛️ The technical challenges of fusion and why plasma confinement is key
 🧲 How Novatron’s magnetic field design sets it apart from tokamaks and stellarators
 💻 The role of computational physics in accelerating fusion innovation
 🌍 Europe’s growing fusion ecosystem and Sweden’s role in the race
 👩‍🔬 Katarina’s personal journey into fusion and what it takes to build a career in this cutting-edge field

This conversation highlights not only the science, but also the persistence and people behind the effort to bring fusion from theory to reality.

As we near the close of the nuclear series, this episode adds yet another dimension — showing how startups in Europe are reshaping what the future of fusion could look like.

🎙 Hosted by Girish Shivakumar
 📍 Mission Shunya — conversations towards the global zero carbon transition

What does it take to build trust in nuclear energy? Behind every advanced reactor design, every regulatory approval, and every safety system lies a complex web of risk analysis — and that’s where Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) comes in.

In this episode, we sit down with Jenifer Avellaneda Díaz, a PRA & Risk Analysis Engineer, to explore the foundational role PRA plays in the nuclear sector. From its evolution post-nuclear disasters to how it is applied in the emerging world of SMRs, we unpack the frameworks that underpin modern nuclear safety and reliability.

We also discuss how artificial intelligence and digital innovation could reshape the future of PRA, and what it means for nuclear’s long-term role in a decarbonized energy system.

Whether you're a nuclear engineer, a policymaker, or someone curious about the risk dynamics of complex energy systems — this episode offers a clear-eyed, expert perspective on one of the most crucial (and often invisible) aspects of nuclear energy.

🔗 Connect with Jenifer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifer-avellaneda/
 🎙 Hosted by Girish Shivakumar
 📍 Part of the Mission Shunya nuclear energy series — conversations towards the global zero carbon transition

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we enter the world of nuclear fusion startups — where physics meets entrepreneurial grit.

Joining me is Francesco Volpe, founder and CEO of Renaissance Fusion, a European company working to build the first commercial stellarator fusion reactor. Unlike the massive, government-led projects like ITER, Renaissance Fusion is a leaner, more agile operation — focused on new magnet technology, novel plasma confinement approaches, and ambitious timelines.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:

Francesco brings the perspective of a physicist turned entrepreneur — combining deep domain expertise with the urgency of climate innovation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fusion is finally moving beyond the “30 years away” cliché — or what it actually takes to build a fusion company from scratch — this episode offers a clear-eyed, hopeful perspective from the front-lines.

🎧 Next in the series: A conversation with Westinghouse PRA engineer on nuclear safety, public trust, and what it means to assess risk in real time.

Follow Francesco Volpe: https://renfusion.eu/

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast’s nuclear energy series, we step into the global arena with Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) — the body that represents the worldwide nuclear industry.

From COP28’s commitment to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to regional differences in policy, deployment, and public perception, Dr. Sama brings a global systems-level view to the nuclear dialogue. We unpack the role of WNA in shaping international frameworks, supporting industry collaboration, and navigating the complex balance between advocacy, public trust, and regulatory realities.

This conversation also explores:

As always, the goal of this series is to approach nuclear energy with a neutral lens — asking informed, critical questions while staying open to where the answers lead.

So whether you’re a nuclear skeptic, supporter, or still forming your opinion, this episode offers the global context you need to understand where the sector is — and where it’s going.

Next up: We head into the world of fusion with Renaissance Fusion — a deep dive into how Europe is tackling fusion energy differently.

Mission Shunya is a podcast that brings you stories at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and the energy transition — hosted by Girish Shivakumar.

Connect with Dr Sama: https://world-nuclear.org/
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Nuclear energy has long stood at the intersection of promise and controversy. From concerns over safety and public perception to its evolving place in global clean energy strategies, the conversation around nuclear is rarely straightforward. In this episode, Girish Shivakumar sits down with Richard Orlington of Radiant Energy Group — a veteran energy analyst tracking the global power sector — to separate fact from fiction.

We explore:

Richard brings a rare systems-level view of the energy transition, blending technical insight with global policy awareness. Whether you’re pro-nuclear, anti-nuclear, or undecided, this episode offers a balanced, data-driven lens through which to understand nuclear’s evolving role.

New episodes drop every two weeks. Follow the show and stay tuned for more conversations unpacking the nuclear puzzle.

Connect with Richard: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/richardollington | https://www.radiantenergygroup.com/

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What exactly is nuclear energy? How do nuclear power plants work? And are the concerns about safety still valid today? 

In this foundational episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear series, host Girish Shivakumar sits down with Dr Paul Cosgrove, nuclear energy researcher from the University of Cambridge to unpack the basics. From the science of nuclear fission to modern safety protocols and global shifts in energy policy, this conversation lays the groundwork for understanding nuclear energy's place in the clean energy transition.

Whether you're a skeptic, a supporter, or simply curious, this is your starting point to make sense of the ‘N’ word in net zero.

Connect with Paul: https://www.cnec.uk/dr-paul-cosgrove

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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:

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In this insightful episode of Mission Shunya, host Girish Shivakumar welcomes Gabriel Thoumi, CEO of Responsible Alpha, to discuss the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in today’s financial landscape. As the political climate shifts globally, Gabriel shares expert insights into how investors and financial institutions are adapting their strategies to align with ESG principles.

Explore how political changes impact sustainable investing, the role of ESG in risk management, and why financial markets are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Whether you're a financial professional, investor, or simply interested in the future of responsible investing, this episode is packed with crucial information about the intersection of finance, sustainability, and global politics.

Tune in for actionable takeaways on integrating ESG into financial strategies and staying ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Connect with Gabriel: https://www.responsiblealpha.com/

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What do you do if you're one of the largest asset owners in your region, yet still have a commitment to a net-zero transition? While building retrofits present significant challenges, the effort is undeniably worthwhile. 

In this episode, Kyle Gray, the lead at The Crown Estate, shares insights into their journey toward net-zero and the hurdles they face. Joining Girish Shivakumar, Kyle discusses the trade-offs, the evolving landscape of building retrofits, and why this work is crucial for The Crown Estate's future.

Connect with Kyle: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kylealexandergray

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