In this episode of the Clean Energy Podcast by North American Young Generation in Nuclear, we explore the history and future of nuclear energy infrastructure and the role of young professionals in shaping the industry.

Hosted by Hashir Sher and Dhruv Brahmbhatt, this conversation features Emmet Penney, writer, historian, and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation.

As part of NAYGN’s mission to engage, develop, and inspire the next generation of nuclear professionals, this episode dives into how the U.S. nuclear build-out was achieved and what it will take to build again today.

Topics Covered:

• History of nuclear power plant build-out

• Role of utilities and regulated cost recovery

• Financing and demand in large infrastructure projects

• Regulatory and institutional challenges

• Talent pipeline and workforce development

• Small modular reactors and future outlook

This episode provides valuable context on how past decisions continue to influence today’s nuclear industry, offering insights for students, professionals, and anyone interested in large-scale energy infrastructure.

Guest Info:

Emmet Penney also hosts the Nuclear Barbarian podcast, where he explores nuclear policy, history, and innovation: www.nuclearbarbarians.com

What actually happens inside a nuclear reactor core — and why do neutrons matter so much?

In this episode of the NAYGN Clean Energy Podcast, host Hong Luong and co-host Aditi Bhardwaj sit down with Dr. Blair Bromley, reactor physicist at Chalk River Laboratories, to unpack the fundamentals of reactor physics in plain language.

We explore:

• How nuclear fission turns into electricity on the grid
• What “reactor physics” (neutronics) really means
• Why slowing down neutrons is essential to keeping reactors running
• How fuel design and neutron economy shape reactor performance
• Why CANDU reactors operate differently from most light-water reactors
• The tradeoffs between fuel enrichment and uranium utilization

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually happening inside a reactor core — beyond the headlines — this episode offers a rare, accessible look into the physics that power nuclear energy.

Thinking about a career in clean energy, utilities, or nuclear?

This episode gives you a real-world look at what’s happening behind the scenes.

Hosts Hashir and Hung speak with Melissa Parvis, CEO of Athena Consulting and Workforce Solutions, about:
• What utilities actually look for when hiring engineers
• Why internships, co-ops, and networking matter more than perfect grades
• The talent gap created by retirements in the energy sector
• How leadership, communication, and EQ shape career growth
• The pros and cons of working in utilities vs. consulting or tech
• How AI is reshaping recruitment and hiring processes

Whether you’re a student, new graduate, or early-career professional, this conversation breaks down how to position yourself for a long-term, meaningful career in clean energy.

In this episode of the NAYGN Clean Energy Podcast, we unpack what the COP climate conferences actually do — and how global climate policy translates (sometimes imperfectly) into real-world energy decisions.

Host Hung Luong, co-host Jeanne Ruppelius, and guest Veeshesh Sunassy (Vice President of NAYGN and COP participant) explore:

• Why climate change is more than just rising temperatures — and how it impacts livelihoods, ecosystems, and economies
• What COP is, how it works, and why it often feels slow and political
• The difference between top-down climate targets (Kyoto) and bottom-up commitments (Paris Agreement & NDCs)
• Where COP has made real impact — including nuclear being recognized as clean energy and global pledges to expand nuclear and renewables
• The role of nuclear, renewables, grids, storage, and heat in building a realistic low-carbon energy mix
• Why financing and policy execution are the biggest bottlenecks to climate progress
• How youth voices are shaping climate action — and what gives reason for cautious optimism

If you want to understand how climate policy connects to actual energy systems — beyond headlines and slogans — this conversation grounds the global climate debate in real engineering, economics, and lived experience.