[1/5] The Case for a Nuclear Renaissance | Andy Lubershane (Energy Impact Partners)

[1/5] The Case for a Nuclear Renaissance | Andy Lubershane (Energy Impact Partners)

Author: Hugo Rauch March 19, 2026 Duration: 33:55

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🌊 The Case for a Nuclear Renaissance

Why fission might be the most under appreciated climate bet of our time.

We’re joined by Andy Lubershane, Partner at Energy Impact Partners and author of Steel For Fuel.

In this first of five episode, we dive into nuclear fission as a “fusion-level bet”, and unpack what it really takes to build a scalable, secure, and low-emissions energy system beyond hydrocarbons.

In our conversation, we covered:

→ Why hydrocarbons are still so hard to replace (and what they do exceptionally well)

→ The reality of nuclear safety, and why perception diverges from data

→ Cost, timelines, and why nuclear failed to scale in the West

→ China’s nuclear buildout, and what it teaches us

→ The rise of SMRs and Gen IV reactors, hype vs. reality

→ Why investing in nuclear is a “winner-takes-most” game

→ A different way to invest: betting on project development, not reactor design

→ Andy’s scorecard: cost, safety, emissions, speed, scalability

This is episode one of a five part series. Subscribe to receive every episode.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newwavenewsletter.substack.com

Hugo Rauch hosts New Wave, a podcast that lives at the intersection of business ambition and scientific reality. This isn't about distant predictions or abstract science; it's a grounded exploration of the technologies and companies being built right now to address our environmental future. Each episode focuses on the practical journey, dissecting the models, the breakthroughs, and the hard decisions that define the climate tech landscape. You'll hear from founders, researchers, and investors who are actively shaping this space, getting into the specifics of what works, what doesn't, and why. The conversations move beyond hype to examine the tangible mechanics of creating viable solutions, from energy storage and sustainable materials to carbon removal and regenerative agriculture. It’s for anyone who thinks about the climate challenge not just as a crisis, but as a complex and urgent field of innovation. By tuning into this podcast, you gain a clearer understanding of the economic forces and scientific principles driving the next generation of environmental solutions. New Wave connects the dots between the lab, the boardroom, and the impact we need to see in the world, offering a sober yet optimistic look at where substantive progress is truly being made.
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