Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

UCAN Power

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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

JAN 19

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.

41 min
JAN 5

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.

39 min
12/22/2025

25 - Dr. Youssif Ballout: Nuclear Energy Unplugged: Innovation, Security, and Curiosity

Dr. Youssef Ballout joins Dominique to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy, emphasizing the need for innovation and addressing public fears surrounding nuclear technology. Dr. Ballout highlights the growing demand for energy, particularly with the rise of AI and data centers, and the military's interest in nuclear power for stability and efficiency. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape with China and the importance of reviving American manufacturing capabilities in the nuclear sector. Dr. Ballout advocates for a practical approach to nuclear reactor design, likening it to a 'Home Depot approach' where existing technologies are utilized effectively. Prior to founding Kadmos Energy Services LLC, Dr. Youssef Ballout was the Director of Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) Reactor Systems Design & Analysis division. He joined INL in December 2018 as the manager of the Fuel Design and Development Department. Prior to INL, he was the President of Elysium Industries Limited, leading the design and development of a molten chloride salt fast reactor. He also spent twenty-six years at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)/Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory working on reactor design, reactor materials, thermal hydraulics, and structural performance. At NNL he managed the Space Structural Materials group with NASA on nuclear propulsion concepts for the Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO) project Prometheus. Over his career he has contributed as an experimentalist and modeler, often both. He has also held engineering and organizational leadership roles. Earlier he taught at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He began his studies in Limoges, France, and earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. engineering degrees from Wichita State University, Kansas. Takeaways China is building 34 nuclear reactors; the US is building zero. Nuclear energy is often misunderstood and feared. Historical events like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl impacted nuclear development in the US. Nuclear technology is a clean and renewable energy source. The military's interest in nuclear power is driven by the need for stable energy. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a focus for future nuclear energy solutions. The Home Depot approach emphasizes using existing technologies for reactor design. China's rapid advancement in nuclear technology poses a challenge to US dominance. The supply chain for nuclear components needs revitalization in the US. Curiosity and innovation are essential for progress in nuclear engineering.

44 min
12/01/2025

24 - Kevin Kong: Transforming Nuclear Energy with AI Innovation

Kevin Kong, founder and CEO of Everstar, discusses the transformative potential of AI in the nuclear industry. He explores how digital twins and advanced simulations can accelerate regulatory processes, making nuclear energy more accessible and efficient. Kevin shares his vision for a future where AI and nuclear power drive innovation, addressing current bottlenecks and paving the way for sustainable energy solutions. Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and energy. Kevin Kong is the CEO and Founder of Everstar, a company using advanced artificial intelligence to accelerate nuclear deployment. Drawing on his background in engineering leadership and AI development, Kevin is focused on transforming how nuclear projects are planned, approved, and built, reducing regulatory timelines from years to months. Before founding Everstar, he served as CTO and Co-Founder of Hyperquery, an AI collaboration platform backed by Khosla Ventures, and as Head of Engineering at Bird, where he led large-scale software and hardware initiatives. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University.

1h 1m
11/17/2025

23 - Braden Stover: Energy Leadership, How Tennessee Can Transform America

Host, Dominique Cooper, welcomes Braden Stover on this episode. They explore the potential economic impact of Tennessee's leadership in energy innovation, particularly through the deployment of small modular reactors. It highlights the limitless opportunities for job creation and workforce development that could arise from this initiative. Braden Stover, Chief Policy Officer at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD). In his role, he leads policy development, supports Tennessee’s nuclear and advanced-energy investment strategy, and helps position the state as a national leader in next-generation nuclear technologies, supply chain innovation, and workforce development. Braden has been deeply involved in Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and the state’s efforts to build a competitive advanced nuclear ecosystem. He brings insight on how policy, industry, and innovation must converge to meet today’s energy and national-security challenges.

39 min
10/20/2025

22 - Joe Miller: BWXT's Leading Role in the Nuclear Industry

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Joe Miller, President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies, about the company's essential role in manufacturing nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as BWXT's development of advanced reactors and the fuels that power them. In a wide-ranging discussion they cover Project Pele, the importance and benefits of TRISO fuel, the challenges of workforce development, space nuclear propulsion, BWXT's focus on innovation, and the role of AI in advancing nuclear technology. Joe shares insights from his journey from the Nuclear Navy to industry, and highlights BWXT's commitment to meeting America's growing demand for nuclear energy.

44 min
10/06/2025

21 - Ethel Bunch and Jordan Marsh: South Carolina's Bright Nuclear Future

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe discusses the critical role of nuclear power in America's energy landscape with guests Ethel Bunch and Jordan Marsh from the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition. They explore South Carolina's significant contributions to nuclear energy, the current status of the VC Summer nuclear plant, the state's efforts to attract new nuclear businesses, and the strong, bipartisan support nuclear power receives from South Carolina's elected leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of legislative support, the essential need for workforce development, and the competitive landscape among states in advancing nuclear power.

48 min
09/22/2025

20 - Ed Petit De Mange - Oklo: Commercializing Nuclear Fuel Recycling

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Ed Petit de Mange, Senior Director of Fuel Recycling at Oklo, about the company's plans for recycling used nuclear fuel. They discuss the elements of the recycling process, the different recycling technologies available, and Oklo's recent announcement of America's first-of-its-kind commercial recycling facility, to be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Ed shares valuable insights on the many benefits of recycling, the importance of collaboration with national labs, how recycled fuel will power Oklo's fast spectrum reactors, and the regulatory landscape surrounding fuel recycling. The conversation highlights the role of advanced nuclear technologies in shaping the future of America's energy security.

50 min

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

Creator

UCAN Power
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

27
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© UCAN Power
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Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power