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Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power: Daily Summaries Delivered
by UCAN Power
UCAN Power is the voice within the nuclear technology community that is focused solely on the advancement of small and micro nuclear reactors and their applications across the spectrum of needs. Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power
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- 3 days ago50 min
38 - Amy Roma: The Regulatory Roadmap for Advanced Nuclear
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dominique sits down with Amy Roma, one of the nation's leading nuclear regulatory attorneys, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of nuclear energy. Amy shares her path into the nuclear industry and offers expert insight into the evolving regulatory frameworks that will shape the deployment of advanced reactors in the United States and abroad. The discussion explores the complexities of nuclear licensing, including the strengths and challenges of regulatory pathways such as Parts 50, 52, 53, and 57, and why many developers continue to seek certainty in an evolving regulatory environment. Amy also examines the growing role of nuclear energy in powering data centers, enabling space exploration, supporting maritime applications, and competing in an increasingly dynamic global energy market. From workforce development and supply chain challenges to the strategic competition between the United States and China, this conversation highlights the opportunities and obstacles facing the nuclear industry as it works to deliver reliable, scalable, and innovative energy solutions for the decades ahead. Amy Roma, JD, MBA is a partner at Orrick and one of the nation's leading attorneys in nuclear energy, infrastructure, and regulatory law. She advises developers, investors, technology companies, and government stakeholders on advanced nuclear technologies, fusion energy, licensing, and large-scale energy projects. Recognized for her expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, Amy is helping shape the future of nuclear innovation in the United States and around the world. www.ucanpower.org
- 2 weeks ago38 min
37 - Pat O'Brien: Restarting Palisades, A New Chapter for Nuclear Energy
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Pat O'Brien of Holtec International to discuss the groundbreaking restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant and what it means for the future of clean, reliable energy in the United States. Pat shares insights into the technical and regulatory challenges of restarting a nuclear facility, the importance of transparent communication with local communities, and the critical role trust plays in the success of nuclear energy projects. The conversation explores how industry leaders are engaging the public, addressing concerns about safety and waste, and creating opportunities for the next generation of nuclear professionals. The discussion also looks ahead to the promise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and how innovation, workforce development, and public engagement will shape the future of the nuclear industry. Whether you're a nuclear professional, energy enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of American energy, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the most significant developments in modern nuclear power. Key Takeaways: The historic restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant Building and maintaining community trust through transparency Effective communication strategies for nuclear safety Workforce development and career opportunities in nuclear energy The future role of Small Modular Reactors in the energy landscape www.ucanpower.org Thank you to our sponsor, Cybernetic Intelligence - https://www.cyberintel.tech/
- Jun 29, 202635 min
36 - Ed McGinnis - Unlocking America’s Nuclear Potential: The Future of Fuel Recycling
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Ed McGinnis, CEO of Curio, to explore how used nuclear fuel—often considered waste—can become a powerful resource for America’s energy future. With more than 30 years of leadership across the U.S. government and nuclear industry, McGinnis shares insights on how fuel recycling technologies can reduce nuclear waste, strengthen energy security, and support climate goals. He also addresses one of the most critical challenges facing nuclear innovation today: balancing advanced technologies with global nonproliferation and security concerns. From Curio’s groundbreaking “New Cycle” approach to workforce development and community engagement, this conversation highlights how innovation, policy, and public trust must come together to unlock the full potential of nuclear energy. Subscribe to Advanced Nuclear for conversations at the forefront of energy innovation. www.ucanpower.org
- Jun 15, 202636 min
35 - Brett Rampal: The Future of Nuclear, 2026 Milestones, and the Road to 2030
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique sits down with nuclear engineer Brett Rampal to examine the momentum behind today’s nuclear resurgence and what lies ahead. From recent reactor design approvals and pilot programs accelerating deployment to the policy challenges of nuclear waste management, Brett offers a clear look at the industry’s most pressing issues. The conversation also highlights workforce development and the wide range of career opportunities shaping the nuclear industry’s future. Brett Rampal is a nuclear energy expert with over 20 years of experience across industry, policy, and investment. He has held engineering and leadership roles at GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, NuScale, and Clean Air Task Force, contributing to reactor design, safety analysis, and major U.S. nuclear policy initiatives. He currently serves as Senior Director of Nuclear and Power Strategy at Veriten, advising energy companies, utilities, and investors on nuclear development and deployment.www.ucanpower.org
- Jun 1, 202630 min
34 - Staff Sheehan: Revolutionizing Nuclear Waste, Project Omega’s Breakthroughs
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, we sit down with Staff Sheehan of Project Omega to explore how cutting-edge innovation is transforming the future of nuclear energy. From breakthrough approaches to recycling spent nuclear fuel to the development of long-lasting power sources like Strontium-90 batteries, Sheehan explains how advanced fuel cycle technologies can turn nuclear waste into a strategic asset. We dive into the science behind molten salt electrochemistry, the “picks and shovels” enabling the next generation of nuclear systems, and Project Omega’s recent DARPA recognition—highlighting the growing importance of these capabilities for both defense and civilian energy applications. Listen now to learn how innovation is reshaping the nuclear fuel cycle—and why it matters for national security and energy resilience.https://ucanpower.org/
- May 18, 202627 min
33 - Rod Baltzer: Deep Isolation and the Future of Nuclear Waste
In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, UCAN Power welcomes Rod Baltzer, CEO of Deep Isolation, for an in‑depth discussion on how deep borehole technology could transform nuclear waste disposal in the United States.Baltzer explains why traditional mined repositories have struggled to deliver timely solutions and how Deep Isolation’s approach—placing nuclear waste deep underground in stable geologic formations—offers a faster, more flexible, and potentially more publicly acceptable alternative. The conversation explores the geological advantages of deep boreholes, the role of existing oil and gas technologies in monitoring and verification, and how deeper disposal expands the number of viable sites while reducing surface‑level impacts.The episode also highlights recent milestones, including ARPA‑E Scale Up funding and groundbreaking at Deep Isolation’s Texas demonstration site, marking a key step toward commercial deployment. Beyond technology, Baltzer discusses the importance of community trust, transparent monitoring, and the potential value of establishing an independent nuclear waste management organization outside the Department of Energy to accelerate progress.From policy implications to long‑term vision, this episode offers a clear look at how innovation, geology, and governance can converge to address one of nuclear energy’s most persistent challenges.
- Apr 27, 20261h 7m
32 - Yasir Arafat: Aalo Powering the AI Era
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world—but powering it is becoming one of the greatest energy challenges of our time. From training massive AI models to running data centers that demand reliable, 24/7 electricity, the future of computing is colliding head‑on with the limits of today’s energy systems. In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Yasir Arafat, Co‑Founder, CTO, and President of Aalo Atomics, to explore how factory‑built, advanced nuclear microreactors could unlock abundant, dependable power for the AI era and beyond. Yasir shares his personal journey—from growing up with energy scarcity to leading pioneering reactor programs at Westinghouse and Idaho National Laboratory, including the MARVEL microreactor project—and how those experiences shaped Aalo Atomics’ mission. The conversation dives into Aalo’s bold focus on AI data centers as its first customer, the decision to use sodium‑cooled reactor technology, and the company’s race toward a historic milestone: achieving criticality on the Aalo X experimental reactor at INL, which would mark the first new sodium‑cooled reactor to operate in the U.S. in over 40 years. 🎧 Subscribe to Advanced Nuclear for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of energy. 🔗 Learn more about U.S. Advanced Nuclear and UCAN Power at ucanpower.org
- Apr 6, 202650 min
31 - Lucian Niemeyer: Restoring American Nuclear Industry Dominance
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Dominique Cooper is joined by Lucian Niemeyer for an in‑depth discussion on the role advanced nuclear technologies play in strengthening U.S. national security and energy resilience. The conversation centers on UCAN Power’s recent white paper, Restoring American Nuclear Industry Dominance, which outlines how the Department of Defense can lead the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced nuclear systems to meet both defense and commercial electricity needs. Niemeyer explains why today’s reactor technologies are safer and more capable than ever—and why resilient, reliable power has become a strategic imperative. The episode explores how advanced nuclear can be deployed at scale on military installations and in future space missions, examining funding models, public‑private partnerships, and the challenges posed by fragmented nuclear programs. Niemeyer also lays out practical steps the Department of Defense can take now to accelerate deployment, strengthen the industrial base, and ensure nuclear power underpins deterrence, operational readiness, and long‑term national security. White paper: https://ucanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UCAN-Power-White-Paper-on-DOW-Nuclear-Power-Deployment-Jan-26.pdf
About Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power
UCAN Power is the voice within the nuclear technology community that is focused solely on the advancement of small and micro nuclear reactors and their applications across the spectrum of needs. Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power
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