In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Chris Ritter, a nationally-recognized leader in AI applications and the Director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence (DICE) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), explores how AI can enhance the design, licensing, and operation of nuclear technologies, particularly through the use of digital twins—virtual models that mirror physical assets. Chris shares his journey to INL, the establishment of DICE, the challenges and future prospects of AI supporting the nuclear industry, and the potential for significant improvements in reactor efficiency, remote operations, and licensing efficiency. The discussion also covers the use of multiple AI programs and the importance of human oversight in AI applications.

Chris Ritter is the division director of scientific computing & AI and director of the Digital Innovation Center of Excellence at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). His team of ~100 computational and data scientists are changing the world’s future with AI/ML, digital twinning, digital engineering, multi-physics, HPC, and digital thread technologies across a portfolio of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, semiconductor, and defense applications.

Chris founded INL's nationally leading digital engineering team which grew from 0 to over ~57 of the nation’s top researchers and developers in digital science. His team led the first nuclear reactor digital twin, built the Deep Lynx open digital thread platform, developed the first autonomous non-nuclear microreactor, and is actively building multiple petabyte-scale digital thread platforms. Additionally, he co-president of Newcomers in Leadership and Chief Digital Officer of SMART USA. Prior to INL, Chris co-founded and led development of the #1 cloud-native MBSE tool, Innoslate, used in 107 counties across 2,000 companies around the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Advanced Nuclear

02:00 Chris Ritter's Journey to INL

04:00 The Creation of DICE at INL

07:11 Understanding Digital Twins

10:49 Accuracy and Applications of Digital Twins

16:02 Future Work and Innovations in Digital Twins

18:06 Reducing Risk and Optimizing Performance with AI

22:37 Barriers to Entry in Nuclear Technology

23:38 Current State of AI Adoption in Nuclear

26:25 The Role of AI in Reactor Design

32:57 AI in Licensing and Regulatory Processes

36:34 Future of AI in Reactor Operations and Design

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Jarret Adams, founder and CEO of Full On Communications, about the importance of effective external and internal communications in the nuclear industry. They discuss the need for clear and consistent messaging to engage communities, address public misconceptions, and promote the benefits of nuclear power. Adams emphasizes the inseparable nature of communications and business strategy, the importance of transparency, the challenges faced by new nuclear startups, and the evolving landscape of nuclear energy amid geopolitical changes and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the significance of branding and the recent pledge to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050.

Jarret has more than 25 years of international experience in corporate communications. He created Full On to help the nuclear energy sector tell its story better. He previously worked at AREVA, where he served as Vice President of Communications and Director of Media Relations and Online Communications. He has also served as a Senior Communications Consultant for the U.S. Nuclear Energy Institute.

Prior to creating Full On Communications, Jarret was a Director of Communications for an international public relations agency based in the United Arab Emirates and focusing on the clean energy sector. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from the George Washington University. He also attended the Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme, a graduate school of journalism, in France.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power

03:05 Jared Adams: Background and Philosophy

05:58 The Importance of Effective Communication

09:01 Engaging Communities on Nuclear Power

12:02 Navigating Public Perception and Misconceptions

15:01 Challenges for New Nuclear Startups

17:48 Cost and Efficiency in Nuclear Energy

20:54 Avoiding Communication Pitfalls

24:09 Branding and Messaging in Nuclear

26:48 Geopolitical and Technological Changes

29:57 Documentary: Nuclear Resurgence

32:59 The Tripling Nuclear Power by 2050 Pledge

34:10 Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Fission, about her company's innovative approach to nuclear power. They discuss Liz's background, the unique design that places nuclear reactors in mile-deep boreholes, and the potential benefits of this approach, including cost efficiency, safety, and shortened time to deployment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of public perception, the importance of collaboration with the data center industry and other end-users, and the future of nuclear energy in the U.S.

Liz is a serial entrepreneur at the forefront of nuclear energy and environmental innovation. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Deep Fission, a groundbreaking nuclear energy startup transforming the industry by placing reactors a mile underground. Previously, she served as CEO of Deep Isolation, a pioneering nuclear waste company, where she now serves as Executive Chairwoman. Liz also founded Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit delivering critical data science on climate change.

A named inventor on multiple patents, Liz was recognized as a Clean Energy Rising Star by Business Insider in 2020. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a published author, backpacker, dance instructor, and proud mother of two, based in the Bay Area.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Podcast

01:30 Meet Liz Muller: A Leader in Nuclear Innovation

02:33 Liz's Journey into the Nuclear Industry

04:01 Deep Isolation and the Birth of Deep Fission

07:03 Innovative Reactor Design: A Mile Underground

11:01 Cost Efficiency of Borehole Reactors

12:01 Manufacturing and Fuel Considerations

13:52 Operational Characteristics of the Reactor

15:02 Deployment and Accuracy of Boreholes

16:44 Rapid Deployment of Nuclear Reactors

18:15 Safety Advantages of Underground Reactors

20:30 Environmental Considerations and Public Perception

21:00 Geological Flexibility and Deployment Locations

22:01 Disposal and Retrieval of Spent Fuel

23:31 Target Industries for Nuclear Power

24:17 Military Applications of Underground Reactors

25:55 Addressing Public Concerns about Nuclear Power

27:12 Financial Viability and Market Response

29:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook