Nuclear Power 101 w/ Dr. Rita Baranwal

Dr. Rita Baranwal served as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); she was nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to perform in this role. Dr. Baranwal led the office’s efforts to promote research and development (R&D) on existing and advanced nuclear technologies that sustain the existing U.S. fleet of nuclear reactors, enable the deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems, and enhance the U.S.A.'s global commercial nuclear energy competitiveness.

In this episode, Aaron and Rita discuss about how a nuclear reactor works, how nuclear energy is part of energy solution and why she dedicated her life to this technology.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro
01:05 How a nuclear power plant works?
02:08 Nuclear energy is a clean energy source
03:10 Perceived dangers of nuclear power
04:38 Passive Nuclear Safety
05:39 Nuclear Power in United States
06:23 Nuclear Energy Pros
07:25 Building Nuclear power plant is expensive
08:25 Reasons why Nuclear power plant shut down.
09:02 Nuclear Power must be part of the Energy Solution
10:15 Critical Minerals are used for renewable energy
10:35 Nuclear Energy require a much smaller land footprint compared to renewable energy
11:53 Mini and Micro reactors
13:13 Micro reactors used for
15:03 Early years
15:46 Turning point of her life
19:06 Kazakhstan is the largest producer of uranium
22:18 Nuclear power plant helps communities that needs reliable energy
24:26 Her role as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
26:26 Advance Reactor Development Program
30:32 Nuclear Energy policy of the United States
39:15 Actionable Challenge : Make sure your voice is heard by your political representatives.
Let them know you want power to be sources from nuclear.