Critical Mass

Critical Mass

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In-depth conversations with experts, thought leaders, and innovators across nuclear energy, global geopolitics, and markets.

Aug 7

Grid Electrification: The Scale Problem Nobody's Talking About | Critical Mass Episode 10

Can the world electrify its way to net zero? And what will power the parts of the economy that electricity cannot reach?In this episode, we sit down with Gerben Hieminga, Senior Energy Economist at ING Research, to examine how electrification could reshape the global energy system.In a net-zero scenario, electricity’s share of energy use in developed economies could rise from around 20% today to between 50% and 70% by 2050. Renewables and batteries are expected to provide much of that power, but the transition is creating new economic and infrastructure challenges.We discuss Europe’s energy paradox, where gas-fired power plants represent a relatively small share of generation but frequently determine electricity prices. Gerben also explains the emerging “fixed cost doom loop”: grids require major investment, while energy efficiency and rooftop solar can reduce demand from the network, pushing costs higher for those who remain connected.We explore the role of nuclear energy, including why factory-produced SMRs could help electrify high-temperature industrial processes, and why data centers and big technology companies may become important drivers of their development.For the parts of the economy that cannot easily be electrified, the discussion turns to green molecules, hydrogen, sustainable carbon sources, and the possibility of a future methanol economy for sectors such as shipping and aviation.As electricity becomes the foundation of the energy transition, this episode explores how grids, renewables, nuclear technologies, and green fuels will need to work together and why electrification alone will not be enough."
Jul 28

How To Manufacture nuclear energy at scale

Can nuclear energy scale by building reactors more like products than megaprojects?In this episode, we sit down with James Walker, CEO at Nano Nuclear Energy, to discuss the company’s vision for advanced nuclear energy and the role microreactors could play in meeting rising demand for reliable power.As data centers, military bases, industrial sites, and remote communities look for alternatives to conventional energy sources, Nano Nuclear Energy is developing modular reactor systems designed to be transported by road and assembled on site. We explore how this approach could reduce construction timelines, limit cost overruns, and create economies of scale through repeatable manufacturing rather than ever-larger individual plants.The conversation also examines the wider challenges facing advanced nuclear deployment, including licensing, nuclear fuel availability, and decades of underinvestment in enrichment and conversion infrastructure. Nano Nuclear Energy’s broader strategy now extends beyond reactors into transportation and the fuel supply chain.Looking toward 2030, the company plans to develop and license its first full-scale commercial microreactor at the University of Illinois. This episode explores what it will take to move from a first deployment to hundreds of systems serving data centers, military installations, urban locations, and remote communities."
Jul 7

Beyond the Reactor - The waste, risk, and opportunity

Can nuclear energy scale without solving the back end of the fuel cycle?In this episode, we sit down with Brett Rampal, nuclear energy expert and adviser, to examine one of the most important but often under-discussed parts of the nuclear sector: used fuel management.As nuclear energy gains renewed momentum in the US and globally, driven by reliability, energy security, AI, data centers, and industrial demand, the conversation increasingly turns to the full nuclear value chain, not just reactors, uranium supply, or new technologies, but what happens after fuel is used.We discuss why a credible used fuel strategy is critical to the sector’s next phase of growth, from addressing a long-standing federal commitment to unlocking trust, political support, and public confidence. Brett shares the challenges around the Nuclear Waste Fund, the legacy of Yucca Mountain, and how the spent fuel issue could be reframed from a political liability into an economic development opportunity.The conversation also looks at how innovation campuses, domestic fuel cycle capabilities, and long-term infrastructure planning could help strengthen the entire nuclear ecosystem. As demand for reliable power rises, this episode explores why solving the back end of the fuel cycle may be essential to nuclear energy’s future.
Jun 23

The Fatal Trifecta | Critical Mass Episode 7

Can electricity markets built for efficiency deliver the redundancy required for national resilience? In this episode, we sit down with Meredith Anguin, author of Shorting the Grid, to examine the growing vulnerabilities within modern electricity systems. We discuss why power should be understood not as a conventional consumer good, but as essential infrastructure that requires long-term planning, redundancy, and clear accountability. We explore Meredith’s concept of the “fatal trifecta”: over-reliance on intermittent renewables, dependence on just-in-time gas delivery, and growing reliance on grid imports. Together, these factors can weaken system resilience and increase the risk of blackouts when demand spikes, fuel supply tightens, or weather-dependent generation underperforms. The conversation also looks at the accountability gap in deregulated energy markets, where short-term competition can discourage investment in the infrastructure needed to maintain reliable power. From the role of nuclear energy as stable base load generation to the importance of domestic uranium enrichment capacity for energy security, we examine what it would take to rebuild reliability into the system."
Jun 11

Cyclical to Structural | Critical Mass Episode 6

Is a once-opaque commodity market becoming a fully-fledged financial asset class?In this episode, we sit down with Crispin Clarke, Strategic Advisor at Curzon Uranium and founder of DLT Advisory, to explore the structural shifts reshaping nuclear fuel markets. We discuss how new mechanics and investment vehicles are bringing greater liquidity, transparency, and institutional participation to a market that has historically been difficult to access.We examine why rising electricity demand, energy security concerns, and the acceleration of AI are creating powerful tailwinds for nuclear energy. From government policies aimed at expanding nuclear capacity to the realities of mine development timelines and supply constraints, we explore the forces driving a shift from cyclical commodity dynamics to a more structural investment theme.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the participants and do not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decision. "
May 18

When does reality bend ideologies? | Critical Mass Episode 5

How will the rise of AI reshape global energy demand, and is the world prepared?In this episode, we sit down with Mark Mills, author of The Cloud Revolution and Executive Director of the National Center for Energy Analytics, to explore the growing collision between AI, energy infrastructure, and geopolitics. We explore why AI is becoming one of the largest drivers of new electricity demand, how data centers are reshaping power markets, and why today’s digital economy is creating unprecedented pressure on global energy systems.🎙️ LISTEN 👇Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-mass/id1874299043Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hROVvv9BoJnzsYZVPpKVTWebsite:All Socials: https://linktr.ee/criticalmassio #nuclearenergy #cleanenergy #renewableenergy #energycrisis #climatechange
Mar 25

Applying moderation in convictions

Uranium has many of the ingredients of a great asset class. But will those ingredients ever come together? In this episode, we speak with Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos and the visionary behind tokenized uranium xU3O8, for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of technology, markets, and probability. We explore shifting attitudes among younger generations, how AI is acting as an accelerant of change, and why many of the ingredients are in place for uranium to become a compelling asset class, while uncertainty remains over whether it will ultimately be. We also discuss why education is critical, why markets may not yet have fully priced in future uranium demand, and what that means for investors and policymakers. Thoughtful, contrarian, and timely, this episode examines belief, risk, and opportunity in the emerging uranium market.
Mar 9

Cautiously optimistic about nuclear

In this episode, we are joined by Ashutosh Shastri, Master Fueller of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers, to explore how centuries-old institutions are engaging with one of today’s most forward-looking energy transitions. We unpack the role of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers and dive into the radical regulatory reforms highlighted in the nuclear energy task force’s report. We discuss why long, loud, and clear policy signals are essential to support the nuclear ecosystem, examine Kazakhstan’s global uranium bank, and unpack how commodities markets and geopolitics increasingly collide. Insightful and timely, this conversation offers a grounded look at nuclear’s evolving role in the global energy landscape.
Feb 24

The answer to climate problems?

In this episode, we speak with Lucien Pugliaresi, President at the Energy Policy Research Foundation, to challenge conventional climate narratives and explore why scale, efficiency, and integration may matter more. We discuss the role of open trade systems and integrated energy markets in driving efficiency and resilience. We also examine how AI is beginning to influence energy policy, public opinion, and decision-making, and what that could mean for future energy and nuclear strategies. Provocative and informative, this episode cuts through ideology to ask what might actually work in solving the global energy equation.
Feb 11

Tripling global nuclear capacity

In this episode, we sit down with Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, to unpack the landmark declaration signed by 33 countries to scale nuclear power. We explore how public opinion on nuclear energy is shifting, why today’s nuclear renaissance looks different from past cycles, and what’s driving renewed momentum across global markets. From the role of small modular reactors (SMRs) versus large-scale reactors, to the regions moving fastest and the policies accelerating change, this conversation cuts through the noise to examine nuclear’s next chapter.
Feb 3

Introducing Critical Mass

In-depth conversations with experts, thought leaders, and innovators across nuclear energy, global geopolitics, and markets.

Trailer

Introducing Critical Mass

In-depth conversations with experts, thought leaders, and innovators across nuclear energy, global geopolitics, and markets.

In-depth conversations with experts, thought leaders, and innovators across nuclear energy, global geopolitics, and markets.

Creator

Critical Mass
Years Active

2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Critical Mass
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Critical Mass