Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

by UCAN Power
PoliticsTechnology
Season 1
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
S1 · E38
Jul 27, 2026
50:59
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/
S1 · E37
Jul 13, 2026
38:52
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
S1 · E36
Jun 29, 2026
35:27
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
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