Short Wave
Are Trump and AI driving a nuclear power boom?
SCI POD – SNR-Geoff
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Valar Atomics was one of the first companies to bring its new nuclear reactor online.
Valar Atomicshide caption
A race started by President Trump is leading to the rapid construction of new, experimental nuclear reactors. If they work, they could power data centers for artificial intelligence. But critics worry that the breakneck pace is compromising safety and public trust. NPR correspondent Geoff Brumfiel talks about the potential risks and benefits, and whether this may lead to a new nuclear age.
Read more of Geoff’s coverage of the U.S.’s new nuclear reactorshere.
If you like this episode, check out our episode aboutwhat happens inside a top-secret U.S. nuclear facility.
Interested in more science and tech news? Email us your question atshortwave@npr.org.
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Listen to Short Wave onSpotifyandApple Podcasts.
This episode was produced by Berly McCoy. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.
