Season 2, Episode 10: The Future, AI, and Small Modular Reactors

This week me and Dave talk about the future of nuclear engineering— SMRs, or Small Modular Reactors, which are increasingly being touted as solution to the energy consumption issues (and the carbon production issues) inherent in keeping AI running at scale.Our conversation starts of by talking about the container-size reactors that seem to be the bright new frontier of energy production, but we touch on some other salient issues as well (the importance of rare earth minerals, the implications of AI in terms of public policy, the feeling that we’re living in the opening five minutes of Terminator Salvation), and wind up talking about how AI is going to put most of us out a job.Anyways, if you enjoy listening to us ramble on amiably (most of the time), please, like, listen, comment and subscribe (in no particular order).On the Fringe is a listener-supported publication. To receive new pods and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe