Why America is banking on new-wave nuclear reactor tech

The Biden administration, Congress and American companies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into small nuclear reactors, which are considered more compact, cheaper and potentially safer than larger traditional nuclear plants. The hope is that these new plants could help reenergize America’s nuclear fleet, but so far, not a single small nuclear reactor plant is operational in the country. Today, guest host Josh Siegel sits down with Jake DeWitte, the CEO of Oklo, a Silicon Valley-based startup that’s racing to build its first small nuclear reactor plant by 2027. They chat about why small nuclear reactor technology is so unique, if the US nuclear revival is truly underway, and the challenges ahead for the industry.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. 

Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. 

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

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