How innovations in the nuclear sector can help move toward net zero

In this episode, Martin Freer, nuclear physicist and the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses the role of alternative fuels and the potential of nuclear energy.

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As we navigate technological advancements and new iterations of industrialization cycles, finding sustainable alternative energy sources should also be top of mind.

Martin Freer, a seasoned nuclear physicist, the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute, and the Director of the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses how harnessing nuclear power can help reduce humanity's impact on nature. He also shares his insights on alternatives fuels, challenges faced by the innovators in the nuclear energy landscape and the possibilities of nuclear fusion.

Key takeaways:

  • Government has an important role to play in setting framework and strategy. It should be a long-term commitment that allows larger companies to invest in nuclear power initiatives.
  • The lack of support toward services and technology is one of the crucial hindrances several companies face. The solution is engaging between people with different skill sets and creating a balance.
  • The rate of progress is too swift for industries. It is important to find new ways of working, investing and supporting the development in the nuclear power sector.

For your convenience, full text transcript of this podcast is also available. Read the transcript.

Presenters

Photographic portrait of Martin Freer
Martin Freer
Director, Birmingham Energy Institute, University of Birmingham; Director, Energy Research Accelerator

Podcast

Episode 21

Duration 43m 02s

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In this series

Series overview
(Event List - Manual)

How innovations in the nuclear sector can help move toward net zero

In this episode, Martin Freer, nuclear physicist and the Director of Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator, discusses the role of alternative fuels and the potential of nuclear energy.
Podcast

Episode 21

Duration
43m 02s

Presenters

Martin Freer

Director, Birmingham Energy Institute, University of Birmingham; Director, Energy Research Accelerator

Why not all disruptive innovations are truly disruptive

In this episode of the Decoding innovation podcast series, Pete Foley, an independent consultant, shares his insights on how psychology and behavioral science can be applied as a catalyst for innovation.
Podcast

Episode 19

Duration
36m 41s

Presenters

Pete Foley

Founder, Pete Foley Innovation LLC

How circular economy acts as an enabler to build sustainable societies

In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Keiran Smith, CEO and co-founder of Mr. Green Africa, discusses circular economy and how technology is changing the way plastic is recycled worldwide.
Podcast

Episode 18

Duration
39m 00s

Presenters

Keiran Smith

CEO and Co-Founder, Mr. Green Africa

Why a mindset shift matters for implementing circular economy

In this episode of the Decoding innovation podcast series, Helen Burdett, Head of Technology Strategy at the World Economic Forum, talks about circular economy as a vision for the future.
Podcast

Episode 17

Duration
29m 00s

How one startup is progressing toward commercialized nuclear fusion

In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Scott Krisiloff shares Helion Energy’s journey so far in creating electricity from nuclear fusion and the subsequent plans to commercialize this form of energy.
Podcast

Episode 16

Duration
24m 51s

How high-pressure water stored underground may reshape energy storage

In this episode of the Decoding Innovation podcast, Quidnet Energy CEO Joe Zhou discusses the use of innovative geomechanical methods and its impact on the global energy industry.
Podcast

Episode 15

Duration
25m 56s

How the metaverse is planning to augment reality — not replace it

In this episode of the Decoding innovation podcast series, Mathieu Nouzareth explains how a community-driven platform is shaping the future of the metaverse.
Podcast

Episode 14

Duration
25m 44s

What Industry 4.0 is all about: the progression from 1.0 to 4.0

In this episode of the Decoding innovation podcast series, Ajay Khaladkar discusses how the institute is helping companies transition to Industry 4.0.
Podcast

Episode 13

Duration
32m 47s