27 - Dr. Jess Gehin: From Executive Orders to Microreactors, Accelerating Nuclear Innovation

About this episode

Dr. Jess Gehin discusses the current transformative moment in nuclear energy and the importance of advanced reactors for America's future.

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dr. Jess Gehin from Idaho National Laboratory explores the transformative moment nuclear energy is experiencing today. From recent executive orders accelerating nuclear initiatives to groundbreaking projects like mobile microreactors, Dr. Gehin explains why advanced reactors are critical for America’s energy future and national security. Discover the historical roots of nuclear innovation, the current surge in deployment efforts, and how these advancements are shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy landscape. Dr. Jess Gehin is Associate Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led national strategies for nuclear energy, directed complex projects, and advanced deployment of innovative reactors. Jess previously served as Chief Scientist for INL and National Technical Director for DOE’s Microreactor Program, spearheading initiatives like Project Pele and MARVEL. Before INL, he held leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directed the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors. A Fellow of the…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Jess Gehin

Topics covered

• nuclear energy
• innovation
• microreactors
• national security
• energy future

Keywords

• nuclear innovation
• microreactors
• executive orders
• energy landscape
• sustainable energy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Idaho National Laboratory, American Nuclear Society, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Department of Energy

Products: Project Pele, MARVEL

Places: America, Kansas State University, MIT

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