The 'Breakneck' Push to Onshore US Nuclear Security

The 'Breakneck' Push to Onshore US Nuclear Security

Author: Going Nuclear January 17, 2026 Duration: 53:00

Steffan Szumowski, a 16-year US Nuclear Navy veteran and author of "The Nuclear Review," joins the show to discuss the accelerating momentum of the domestic nuclear industry under the current administration. The conversation covers the Department of Energy's ambitious "breakneck" push to have three new reactors attain criticality by July 4, 2026, supported by new pilot programs for both reactors and fuel. Szumowski explains the strategic effort to onshore the supply chain by awarding $900 million contracts to companies like Centris and Orano to build domestic enrichment capacity and eliminate reliance on Russian supply. The guests explore how the massive power needs of AI data centers are driving "hyperscaler" deals with advanced reactor companies like Oklo and TerraPower, even as debate continues over the future of large-scale AP1000 deployments. Szumowski shares insights from his experience operating submarine reactors and highlights why real engineering progress is the only way to win the race among 126 different small modular reactor designs.


Support for this podcast and all of Clear Commodity Network comes from TerraHutton.


For anyone trying to make sense of the complex and rapidly changing world of nuclear energy and its markets, Going Nuclear with Justin Huhn and Trevor Hall offers a clear signal through the noise. This isn't just broad commentary; it's a focused dive led by two analysts deeply embedded in the sector. Justin Huhn, from Uranium Insider, and Trevor Hall, of Mining Stock Daily, combine their distinct perspectives to break down the week's most important developments. You'll hear their conversations move seamlessly from high-level financial market shifts and policy changes affecting utilities down to the granular details of specific uranium exploration projects and mining company updates. The discussion is grounded in real-time news, offering listeners not just information but context on how a new contract, a geopolitical event, or a technological advancement might ripple through the investment landscape. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a direct briefing from informed colleagues who cut through the hype. They examine the practical realities of the nuclear fuel cycle, the economics behind new reactor technologies, and the investment implications of it all, providing a consistent and detailed resource for anyone with a professional or serious personal interest in the energy transition's most pivotal industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 33

Going Nuclear with Justin Huhn and Trevor Hall
Podcast Episodes
Blue Energy's Jake Jurewicz on De-Risking New Nuclear Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:14
Jake Jurewicz, co-founder and CEO of Blue Energy, discusses the innovative approaches his company is taking to address the challenges of nuclear energy development. He emphasizes the importance of financing, prefabricati…
Uranium Market Musings: Spot Remains Strong while Equities Correct [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
Trevor and Justin discuss the current state of the uranium market, focusing on recent trends, Cameco's quarterly financials, and strategic partnerships in the nuclear sector. They analyze the implications of market corre…
Beyond the Spot: Understanding Uranium's Long-term Contracts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
In this episode of "Going Nuclear," Justin and Trevor dive into the complexities of long-term contracting in the uranium market. They discuss the recent trends, including the strategic moves by utilities and the unique a…