Electric Election Roadtrip Podcast · The Conservation Coalition

Electric Election Roadtrip EP 03: Dr. Joshua C. Walter, TerraPower, LLC

·32 min·2 clips

How nuclear energy could end energy poverty and transform lives in developing countries.

Hosts Benjamin Backer and Saul Spady interview Dr. Joshua Walter, a nuclear engineer and program manager at TerraPower. This episode explores advanced nuclear energy's role in addressing climate change and energy poverty. Dr. Walter explains his work on reactor designs like the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor and integrated energy systems. A primary topic is using nuclear energy to lift developing nations from poverty by providing abundant, clean electricity. The conversation addresses historical public fear of nuclear power, citing Cold War associations and incidents like Chernobyl. Dr. Walter argues modern reactor designs are simpler, safer, and more economical due to new materials and computer modeling. He states nuclear is statistically the safest energy industry and highlights decades of safe operation. The discussion covers U.S. regulatory processes involving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy, noting recent bipartisan funding for advanced nuclear. TerraPower aims to demonstrate its sodium fast reactor technology within seven years. An interesting insight is that advanced reactors can achieve higher "burn up," reducing waste volume, and some designs can recycle or "breed" new fuel. Dr. Walter emphasizes nuclear's unique ability to provide massive, scalable, carbon-free power to balance variable renewables like solar and wind. He notes nuclear currently provides 20% of U.S. electricity and over half its carbon-free power. The hosts are surprised by a reactor model's small size compared to traditional plants. Dr. Walter describes the molten salt reactor core as resembling a "large trash can," using liquid salt as a coolant. He explains that lowering costs requires technological simplicity and government support through national lab infrastructure. The tone is conversational, educational, and optimistic, featuring clear explanations of complex engineering. The style is interview-based, with hosts seeking to translate technical concepts for a general audience. Listeners interested in climate solutions, energy innovation, and bipartisan technology policy would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a deep critique of nuclear power or solely focused on renewable energy might find it less aligned with their interests.

As heard by us

A clear look at next generation nuclear and the grid problem it is meant to help solve.

Electric Election Roadtrip leans into nuclear power with Dr. Joshua Walter of TerraPower, and that gives the episode a solid technical anchor.

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Why you'd press play

Want nuclear explained without the jargon wall?

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