5 - Jordan Robison - Pioneering Molten Salt Technology

Jim Howe speaks with Jordan Robison, Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources. They discuss the company's innovative approach to advanced nuclear technology, focusing on molten salt reactors and their potential applications. Robison shares insights on Natura's rapid progress, partnerships with universities, and the importance of regulatory engagement. The conversation highlights the growing opportunities in the advanced nuclear sector and the need for diverse technologies to meet global energy demands.Jordan is the Vice President of Engineering and Program Management at Natura Resources, where he drives innovative engineering solutions and oversees critical program development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Austin College, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Dallas, and an MBA from Abilene Christian University, equipping him with a unique blend of technical prowess and strategic leadership. With a career that began in technical and engineering management roles within the semiconductor and oil and gas industries, Robison brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position at Natura Resources.Since joining Natura Resources in 2020, Robison has played a pivotal role in advancing Natura Resources' molten salt reactor technology, guiding both university research initiatives and commercial development efforts. He works closely with faculty and staff from Natura’s five university partners—Abilene Christian University (ACU), Georgia Tech, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Tech University—while collaborating with the teams at Zachry Nuclear Engineering and Teledyne Brown Engineering to advance the detailed design of the Natura MSR-1 demonstration system that is being deployed at ACU.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Power01:30 Natura Resources: Company Overview and Mission03:26 Natura's Innovative Approach to Reactor Deployment07:53 Commercial Projects and Applications11:21 Leveraging University Partnerships for Success15:16 Understanding Molten Salt Reactor Technology19:40 Safety Features of Molten Salt Reactors21:16 Modular Construction Benefits23:41 Fuel Supply and Regulatory Engagement28:05 Exploring Market Opportunities and Applications35:35 Conclusion and Future OutlookThis podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - UCAN Power - United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear PowerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower