Episode 19: The future of nuclear energy: Innovation, infrastructure and the race to net-zero

In the latest episode of the CFA UK Future Proofing Finance Podcast, hosts Ben Ashby, ASIP and Tom Threlfall, CFA sit down with Dr. Valeria Raffuzzi, Research Associate, University of Cambridge, to explore the evolving role of nuclear energy in the global transition to net zero. Dr. Raffuzzi explains her transition from renewables to nuclear engineering, explaining along the way why Western infrastructure projects face high costs and delays due to regulatory hurdles, political issues, and supply chain complexities. The episode also explores: Drivers of the "nuclear renaissance" and global power demand Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for cost-effective scalability Technical and economic hurdles for fusion energy Nuclear cost and sustainability misconceptions Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of nuclear energy, the realities of decarbonisation, and the opportunities and risks ahead for investment professionals.