049 Caleb Tomlin, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI

Caleb Tomlin, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, discusses the transition from coal to nuclear power. He explains the research being done on synthetic fuels and the opportunities for nuclear beyond electricity. Caleb highlights the challenges and considerations involved in converting coal plants to nuclear, including site characterization, technology and design selection, and securing land and transmission rights. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and workforce development in the transition process. Caleb also shares his optimistic vision for the future, envisioning an expansion of nuclear power and its role in providing abundant, cheap, and clean energy. Takeaways The transition from coal to nuclear power offers opportunities for synthetic fuel production and nuclear participation in various sectors beyond electricity. Converting coal plants to nuclear requires careful site characterization, technology and design selection, and securing land and transmission rights. Community engagement and workforce development are crucial aspects of the transition process. The future of nuclear power is promising, with an expansion of nuclear power and its role in providing abundant, cheap, and clean energy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Caleb Tomlin's Background 03:20 Nuclear Beyond Electricity 04:15 Overview of EPRI 06:10 Research on Synthetic Fuels 07:32 Coal to Nuclear Transition 08:56 Challenges and Considerations 12:08 Conversion Process and Design Selection 15:41 Reuse of Existing Assets 17:36 Steam Conditions and Turbine Compatibility 24:32 Examples of Coal to Nuclear Projects 25:25 Workforce Transition and Job Creation 27:59 Hurdles and Steps to Build More Nuclear 41:04 International Perspective 45:06 How People Can Help 50:14 Optimistic Vision for the Future