Recycling Nuclear Fuel in Idaho with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 22 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the process of recycling spent nuclear fuel. Idaho has engaged in spent nuclear fuel storage for years, both on the commercial and military side, and in most reactors, operators replace fuel rods when the rods still have 97% usable fuel left. This is an incredible waste considering the scarce nature of fuel grade uranium. Enjoy!
American Nuclear Series: E21 Nuclear Blackstart Ability
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 21 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the capacity of some nuclear reactor designs to “blackstart.” Classic power production systems like coal plants or gas plants do generate enormous amounts of power, but in the event of an EMP, they’re vulnerable because they actually need some consistent power to get started. Nuclear batteries and other smaller designs have the ability to start without an alternate power source, making them incredibly effective designs when it comes to emergency preparedness. Enjoy!
American Nuclear Series: E20 Thorium to Uranium with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 20 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the future role of Thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle. Thorium is NOT a fuel, as many people think, but instead something that can be converted into a type of Uranium, which can then be used as a fuel. This is a main point of confusion when people think of a “thorium reactor.” Enjoy!
American Nuclear: E19 Island Power with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 19 of the American Nuclear series, we consider the position of Hawaii as well as US Island territories. These landmasses in particular are vulnerable to natural disaster and direct attacks as they do not have reliable, easily repaired energy sources. Nuclear at any scale may be the only solution. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E18: Idaho's Nuclear Education Mandate
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 18 of the American Nuclear series, we review the executive order by Idaho Governor Butch Otter in 2018. In this particular order, Governor Otter orders three things specific to the nuclear industry, ranging from the LINE commission to public/private partnerships to nuclear education. The foresight that Governor Otter had with this order are things that put Idaho in a perfect space to be a national leader as we, the US, usher in the nuclear renaissance. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 17: Trumps 1st Nuclear Year
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 17 of the American Nuclear series, we review what President Trump has done in and with the Nuclear Industry in the first year since he was elected again. There are many issues that need to be resolved across huge industries, including mining, manufacturing, environment, and more. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 16: Chernobyl
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 16 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the infamous Chernobyl disaster, whereby local operators engaged in an experiment with the reactor that was expressly forbidden in the operations manual, which resulted in loss of life.
American Nuclear E 15: The American Nuclear Braintrust
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 15 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss Richard’s background as a student of energy and what specifically makes him one of the foremost experts on not just nuclear, but also that American energy system in general. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 14: Fukushima
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 14 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the infamous Fukushima nuclear accident and tidal wave, the causes, the impact, and the three key mistakes that were made that caused the core damage and following explosions. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 13: Three Mile Island
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 13 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown, the causes, the impact, and more than anything, the fact that this was the only US based Nuclear meltdown that resulted in ZERO loss of life or injury (aside from financial). Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 12: Fuel Supply Chain Vulnerabilties with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 12 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the vulnerabilities of the fuel supply chains for existing electrical production. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 11: US Grid Vulnerabilities with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 11 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss US Grid vulnerabilities and why nuclear is the right answer for so many of the existing and incredibly dangerous problems. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 10: Who Is Betting on Nuclear with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 10 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss who is betting on American Nuclear to address the issues we face. A few states have signaled that they’re going into nuclear hard. It’s important to understand what they’re doing and why it’s going to make a difference. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 09: Why Hasn't American Nuclear Stuck with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 9 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss why American Nuclear Power hasn’t stuck, what bureaucratic road blocks exist, and why we haven’t taken full advantage of this energy source like so many other countries do. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 08: Sources of American Energy with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 8 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss sources for the current American energy demand. There are over 31 different mechanisms to produce energy, from natural gas to coal to landfill gas to biomass. Understanding which we lean on the most and why is crucial in understanding why nuclear energy and micro grids are the answers to our problems. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E07: The Case for US Electricity with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 7 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the case for US electricity, the exponential rate increases, and what will happen if we do not start betting on Nuclear as a country. Enjoy!\
American Nuclear E06: Electricity Bind in American Lifestyles with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 6 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the bind we are in as Americans and, in our case, Idahoans with our reliance on electricity. We don’t just need it to turn on and off our lights, but we fundamentally couldn’t exist with our water systems, traffic systems, manufacturing systems, or any other system required for the life support of our communities without it. It is literally the choke point of our entire civilization. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 05: The Good (ID) The Bad (HI) & The Ugly (CA) with Richard McPherson
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 5 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the plight of three different states: California, Hawaii, and Idaho. California and Hawaii have some of the most expensive power in the country, and as Richard explains, this was no accident. There are also clear examples of the US political machine selling out American industry to international interests. Idaho, by contrast, has affordable power but could go the way of CA and HI if we are not careful. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 04: Political Barriers with American Nuclear with Dr. Frostie White
It all begins with an idea.
Dr. Frostie White has spent the last four decades in the American Nuclear Power industry, working in every aspect of the industry. She came in to shed light on the soft barriers to introducing more nuclear power in Idaho and America. Spoiler alert: the barriers are not technology, safety, or capacity. Enjoy!
American Nuclear E 03: Progress of Nuclear Power with Richard McPherson
It all begins with an idea.
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 3 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the progress America has made since the start of the first nuclear power plant, Shipping Port. It only took the US three years to build and turn on the plant. Now it takes nearly two decades. Enjoy!