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Nuclear Power by 2026? The Data Center Energy Crisis
The energy conversation in data centers just got real. In this episode, we dive deep with Alison Krager Hahn from the Department of Energy and Rhea Williams from E3 Energy Partners on the hybrid strategies reshaping how we power digital infrastructure. From nuclear timelines that will surprise you to the natural gas bridges we need today, this conversation cuts through the noise to deliver the hard truths about America's power crisis.
Key Insights from This Episode:
• Nuclear deployment is accelerating faster than expected - with concrete 2026 timelines and construction already underway for commercial advanced reactors
• Natural gas represents the critical bridge solution - but requires understanding molecular markets, capacity agreements, and complex integration challenges most people don't grasp
• This isn't just a data center problem - we're facing a national infrastructure crisis with legacy transmission systems that haven't been updated in decades
• Community engagement is non-negotiable for nuclear success - transparent education and local outreach will determine which projects move forward
• Sustainability conversations are full of dangerous misconceptions - especially around grid power composition and the reality of renewable energy as prime power
• Very few people in the industry actually know what they're doing - we're making reactive decisions instead of strategic, methodical planning
• Data center capital can reshape America's energy infrastructure - but only if we think beyond just meeting our own power needs
This episode isn't just about energy solutions—it's about the opportunity and responsibility the data center industry has to lead America's infrastructure transformation. The capital is there. The technology is advancing. The question is whether we'll step up strategically or continue acting like our pants are on fire.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc.
WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Guest Information:
Alison Krager Hahn - Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-krager-hahn-9342b5275/
Rhea Williams - E3 Energy Partners
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawilliams/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
View all episodes
By Mara Ervin & Val Crafton
5
22 ratings
The energy conversation in data centers just got real. In this episode, we dive deep with Alison Krager Hahn from the Department of Energy and Rhea Williams from E3 Energy Partners on the hybrid strategies reshaping how we power digital infrastructure. From nuclear timelines that will surprise you to the natural gas bridges we need today, this conversation cuts through the noise to deliver the hard truths about America's power crisis.
Key Insights from This Episode:
• Nuclear deployment is accelerating faster than expected - with concrete 2026 timelines and construction already underway for commercial advanced reactors
• Natural gas represents the critical bridge solution - but requires understanding molecular markets, capacity agreements, and complex integration challenges most people don't grasp
• This isn't just a data center problem - we're facing a national infrastructure crisis with legacy transmission systems that haven't been updated in decades
• Community engagement is non-negotiable for nuclear success - transparent education and local outreach will determine which projects move forward
• Sustainability conversations are full of dangerous misconceptions - especially around grid power composition and the reality of renewable energy as prime power
• Very few people in the industry actually know what they're doing - we're making reactive decisions instead of strategic, methodical planning
• Data center capital can reshape America's energy infrastructure - but only if we think beyond just meeting our own power needs
This episode isn't just about energy solutions—it's about the opportunity and responsibility the data center industry has to lead America's infrastructure transformation. The capital is there. The technology is advancing. The question is whether we'll step up strategically or continue acting like our pants are on fire.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc.
WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Guest Information:
Alison Krager Hahn - Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-krager-hahn-9342b5275/
Rhea Williams - E3 Energy Partners
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawilliams/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
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