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Energy Secretary Chris Wright: "Nuclear is the single biggest issue I work on."

July 28, 2025 / 00:42

This episode discusses nuclear energy, focusing on next generation Gen 4 reactors, fuel supply, and government support for the industry. Key topics include the role of Idaho National Lab, the importance of tax credits, and the timeline for achieving a free market in nuclear energy.

The conversation highlights the development of three Gen 4 reactors at Idaho National Lab, with a commitment to supply fuel for these reactors. The guest emphasizes the need for government support to revive the nuclear industry, which has faced challenges for decades.

Additionally, the guest mentions the importance of building a supply chain and producing small modular reactors in volume to reduce costs. They estimate that achieving a fully functioning free market in nuclear energy may take around ten years.

TLDR

Nuclear energy's future hinges on Gen 4 reactors and government support, with a ten-year timeline for a free market.

Episode

0:42

00:00:00

Nuclear is the single biggest issue I work on. We will have three next generation Gen 4 reactors critical in

00:00:07

Idaho National Lab next summer. We're supplying Halo, the fuel for these next generation reactors. We've already

00:00:13

committed to five and we'll give it to a dozen of these next generation reactor companies. We worked in the one big

00:00:19

beautiful bill to keep in the nudge that tax credits for nuclear because the government smothered the industry and

00:00:25

killed it for three decades. Even a free market guy like me thinks we need to get

00:00:29

a little help to get it started. How far away are we till it's free market running?

00:00:33

Probably 10 years because it's just a learning curve with the small modular reactors. You got to build up the supply

00:00:38

chain and build them in volume. And the cost can come down dramatically.

Episode Highlights

Next Generation Reactors
We're supplying Halo fuel for next generation reactors, with a commitment to five.
“We're supplying Halo, the fuel for these next generation reactors.”
@ 00m 09s
July 28, 2025
Government Support for Nuclear
After decades of decline, we need government support to revive the nuclear industry.
“The government smothered the industry and killed it for three decades.”
@ 00m 24s
July 28, 2025

Episode Quotes

Even a free market guy like me thinks we need to get a little help.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright: "Nuclear is the single biggest issue I work on."

Key Moments

Government Challenges00:24
Future Projections00:32