Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

by UCAN Power
PoliticsTechnology
Season 1
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
S1 · E35
Jun 15, 2026
36:52
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/
S1 · E34
Jun 1, 2026
30:06
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.
S1 · E33
May 18, 2026
27:02
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
S1 · E32
Apr 27, 2026
1:07:03
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
S1 · E31
Apr 6, 2026
50:13
30 - Felice Presti: Building America’s Nuclear Comeback
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Felice Presti, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager for Nuclear Power at Bechtel, to explore what it really takes to rebuild American nuclear leadership. With 87% of reactors built globally since 2017 based on Russian and Chinese designs, the stakes for the U.S. nuclear industry could not be higher. Presti—who oversees Bechtel’s entire nuclear project portfolio—offers a clear‑eyed, practitioner’s view of what’s broken, what’s working, and what must change to deliver nuclear power at scale. Drawing on decades of experience spanning the Hanford nuclear cleanup, NASA launch infrastructure, Plant Vogtle, TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Wyoming, and Poland’s first nuclear power plant, Presti explains why execution—not rhetoric—will define the nuclear renaissance. The conversation dives into design maturity, integrated EPC delivery, supply chain readiness, workforce development, and why nuclear is uniquely positioned to meet soaring demand driven by AI, geopolitics, and energy security. This is a candid, ground‑truth conversation about building reactors—not just talking about them—and why America’s nuclear comeback will be decided in places like Wyoming, Georgia, and Poland.
S1 · E30
Mar 23, 2026
33:40
29 - Chris Ploch: From Executive Orders to Reactors: Powering America’s Nuclear Future
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Chris Ploch shares his unconventional journey from law school to becoming a key voice in U.S. nuclear policy. Drawing on experience across government and the energy sector, Chris breaks down how recent executive orders, licensing reforms, and workforce initiatives are reshaping the future of nuclear energy in America. The conversation explores how federal nuclear executive orders are influencing industry momentum, why culture change at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is critical to deploying advanced reactors, and what it will take to build a durable, skilled nuclear workforce. The episode also places U.S. nuclear innovation in a global context, examining strategic competition with China and Russia and what it means for energy security and leadership. Whether you’re new to nuclear policy or deeply embedded in the industry, this episode offers clear insights into the policy levers and people shaping the next era of advanced nuclear in the United States.
S1 · E29
Mar 9, 2026
41:48
28 - Amir Vexler: Securing America’s Nuclear Future: Centrus Energy and the New Era of Enrichment
In this episode, host Dominique sits down with Amir Vexler, CEO of Centrus Energy, for an in‑depth look at the revival of American uranium enrichment and what it means for the future of U.S. energy independence. As the only American‑owned company enriching uranium on U.S. soil, Centrus occupies a uniquely strategic position at the intersection of national security, advanced nuclear technologies, and global energy competition. Vexler shares his journey through the nuclear industry, the challenges of rebuilding a domestic enrichment capability, and why execution, innovation, and reliability matter now more than ever. He discusses Centrus’s expanding footprint at the massive Piketon facility, the company’s investment in next‑generation centrifuge manufacturing, and its role in building a diverse, resilient, American‑led nuclear fuel supply chain. From re‑industrializing America to forging new global partnerships, this conversation offers a rare inside look at one of the most important—and least understood—elements of the modern nuclear ecosystem. Amir Vexler is president and chief executive officer of Centrus Energy Corp. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. Mr. Vexler has extensive experience in the nuclear fuel industry and a strong background in manufacturing, engineering services, commercial operations, and business development. Prior to joining Centrus, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA, overseeing Orano’s U.S. sales of nuclear fuel, decommissioning services, used nuclear fuel management, and medical isotopes as well as engineering and technology services for the federal government. Previously, Mr. Vexler spent 20 years at General Electric Company, where he served in a number of leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Operating Officer of Global Nuclear Fuels (GNF), a joint venture of GE and Hitachi. GNF is a global provider of nuclear fuel and related services. He earned a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.
S1 · E28
Feb 23, 2026
30:14
27 - Dr. Jess Gehin: From Executive Orders to Microreactors, Accelerating Nuclear Innovation
In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dr. Jess Gehin from Idaho National Laboratory explores the transformative moment nuclear energy is experiencing today. From recent executive orders accelerating nuclear initiatives to groundbreaking projects like mobile microreactors, Dr. Gehin explains why advanced reactors are critical for America’s energy future and national security. Discover the historical roots of nuclear innovation, the current surge in deployment efforts, and how these advancements are shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy landscape. Dr. Jess Gehin is Associate Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led national strategies for nuclear energy, directed complex projects, and advanced deployment of innovative reactors. Jess previously served as Chief Scientist for INL and National Technical Director for DOE’s Microreactor Program, spearheading initiatives like Project Pele and MARVEL. Before INL, he held leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directed the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors. A Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, Jess holds degrees in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and MIT and has authored over 120 technical publications.
S1 · E27
Jan 19, 2026
41:03
26 - Dr. Todd Allen: The Innovation Pipeline and Advancing Nuclear Energy
In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Dominique Cooper engages with Dr. Todd Allen, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy. They explore the complexities of nuclear deployment, including the need for community trust, regulatory frameworks, and innovative approaches to waste management. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of integrating societal considerations into nuclear technology development and highlights the role of community engagement in fostering acceptance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the innovation pipeline and the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
S1 · E26
Jan 5, 2026
39:05
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