Nuclear Energy Unveiled-A three-part webinar series: First Up Gen III+ Reactors
Join us for an electrifying exploration of the future of nuclear energy in our upcoming webinar series, "Nuclear Energy Unveiled: Gen III+, Microreactors, and Gen IV Reactors."
Nuclear energy, a proven, clean, and reliable energy source, is experiencing a resurgence of interest and enthusiasm commensurate with a global push towards decarbonization. However, the path to embracing nuclear power as a sustainable solution has been a journey spanning over 60 years. As Georgia Power and Southern Company have demonstrated with the completion of Vogtle Unit 3 and the imminent finish of Unit 4, the viability and potential of new nuclear energy in our evolving clean energy landscape has been confirmed and the push affirmed towards the next new nuclear solution.
At POWER Magazine, we are thrilled to present a comprehensive series of webinars that will explore the intricate world of nuclear reactors, their diverse options, and the pros and cons associated with each technology. Our series begins with an in-depth look at Gen III+ reactors, followed by a deep dive into Microreactors, and concludes with highly anticipated updates on Gen IV Reactors.
Here's what you can expect from our thought-provoking webinars:
1. Gen III+ Reactors Unveiled: We'll start our journey by comparing the groundbreaking Gigawatt designs to their smaller derivative versions. Discover the advancements in Gen III+ reactors and how they align with the increasing clean energy demands of today.
2. Meeting the Clean Energy Challenge: Explore the pivotal role of Gen III+ reactors in addressing the pressing clean energy needs of our time. Learn where and how these reactors are poised to make a significant impact.
3. Gen IV Reactors and Spent Fuel: Dive into the world of Gen IV reactors and the future opportunities they unlock for high-temperature industrial heat applications and efficient utilization of spent fuel. Understand the potential of this revolutionary technology in enhancing sustainability and enabling industrial decarbonization.
4. Accelerating Construction Time: Delve into the innovative solutions that our experts are implementing to expedite the construction process of nuclear reactors. Discover how we are paving the way for quicker, more efficient deployment.
5. Microreactors: Shaping the Future: Uncover the strategic placement of Microreactors within our clean energy blueprint. Explore their unique applications and the exciting possibilities they offer.
Our webinar series promises to be a dynamic and informative exploration of the nuclear energy landscape, featuring experts at the forefront of innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in discussions that will shape the future of clean energy. Join us as we embark on a journey towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future with nuclear power at its core.
- The first Episode will include a deep dive into Gen III+ Reactors with Westinghouse, GE, and NuScale.
Prior to this role, Dr. Baranwal was Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Westinghouse where she led the clean energy company’s global research and development investments and spearheaded a technology strategy to advance the company’s innovative nuclear solutions.
Previously, Dr. Baranwal served as Chief Nuclear Officer and Vice President of Nuclear at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). She had overall management and technical responsibility for the research and development (R&D) activities conducted by EPRI with its global membership related to nuclear generation, providing support to more than 80 percent of the world’s existing and advanced commercial nuclear fleet.
Before joining EPRI, Baranwal served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in a U.S. President-appointed and Senate-confirmed role. She led efforts to promote R&D on existing and advanced nuclear technologies that sustain the U.S. fleet of nuclear reactors and enable the deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems.
Prior to the DOE, Dr. Baranwal directed the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at Idaho National Laboratory. She was responsible for providing the nuclear industry and other stakeholders access to DOE's state-of-the-art R&D expertise, capabilities, and infrastructure to achieve faster and cost-effective development, demonstration, and ultimate deployment of innovative nuclear energy technologies. Under her leadership, GAIN positively impacted over 120 organizations.
Before joining the Idaho National Laboratory, Dr. Baranwal served as Director of Technology Development & Application at Westinghouse. There, she led the creation and development of game-changing technologies and managed characterization and hot cell laboratories. Her previous positions at Westinghouse included director of Core Engineering and manager of Materials and Fuel Rod Design. Prior to joining Westinghouse, she was a manager in Materials Technology at Bechtel Bettis, Inc. where she led and conducted R&D in advanced nuclear fuel materials for U.S. Naval Reactors.
Dr. Baranwal is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (ANS). She serves on Advisory Boards for the US Nuclear Industry Council (US NIC) and the Nuclear Engineering departments of the University of Michigan and North Carolina State University. She also serves as a Commissioner on the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) High Level Commission on Nuclear Energy and Climate Security, the Atlantic Council’s Nuclear Energy and National Security Coalition, and the Board of Scholars at American Council for Capital Formation (and is the first non-economist selected to serve on this Board).
Dr. Baranwal has a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in materials science and engineering and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in the same discipline from the University of Michigan.
