Next-gen nuclear and the rise of SMRs, with Carlos Torres Diaz and Natura Resources' Douglass Robison

Let’s Talk Energy and explore the rapidly advancing efforts to develop small modular nuclear reactors, or SMRs. Nuclear has captured the imagination of the private sector and policymakers alike for its ability to generate firm power – unlike variable renewable sources – with no emissions – unlike natural gas or coal. SMRs are being pitched as a way to overcome the cost and schedule overruns seen in conventional nuclear development in the West and help meet the growing needs of power grids and behind-the-grid users such as data centers. But – to date – SMRs have generated a lot of high hopes and hot air, with only a small handful of experimental facilities currently online anywhere in the world.Can SMRs really compete with renewables and fossil fuels to meet growing global power demand?                Will SMR developers solve the cost overruns and project delays that plague conventional nuclear projects in the West and deliver low-cost electrons on time and on budget? Which countries are poised to win the SMR race and develop this new source of power as global competition for energy and digital dominance grows?    Related Analysis: Expectations and realities: 12 predictions for the year ahead in energy (accessible for non-clients) Small-reactor technology helps kindle Nordic interest in new nuclear generation (clients only) Maturing technologies boost interest in small modular reactors (clients only) Can nuclear and geothermal supply clean, firm power for data center demand boom? (clients only) Ready, set, wait: US nuclear power's revival lags energy demand boom (clients only) Costs at the core: Technology is key for nuclear power capex efficiency (clients only)  Related Episodes:A glimpse into energy in 2026, with Jarand Rystad Dawning of the next era of energy Shell’s Peter Wood on AI, future energy scenarios and trade turning points  Let’s Talk Energy is a Rystad Energy Production.  Produced by: Laura Rodriguez Skaug & Både Og.  Executive producers: Noah Brenner, Elliot Busby, Evodie Fleury-Greaker & Erik Means.  Follow us on:  LinkedIn  YouTube  Instagram  X