In this episode, we explore the recent deals signed by U.S. company, Last Energy, for the development of small modular nuclear reactors in the UK and Poland. According to PowerMag, this is currently the largest pipeline of new nuclear power plants under development in the world. The reactors being used for this deal are the PWR-20 modules, which generate 20 MWe and use a single-loop pressurized water reactor with standard full-length PWR fuel enriched to 4.95%. One of the reasons for Last Energy's selection may be their closed-cycle air cooling method, which does not require significant water resources. In comparison, both GE and NuScale use water for cooling. The build times for the Last Energy reactors are also impressive, with actual on-site construction estimated to take just three months.

We also discuss the advantages of small modular nuclear reactors in terms of safety, productivity, and potential turnaround in Europe's energy policies. Nuclear energy has been proven to be the most productive, with a capacity factor average of 90%, compared to the next closest average of geothermal energy at 70%. This shift towards nuclear energy in Europe may be due to the reduction in natural gas production, which has been caused by climate activists who have blocked fracking. In turn, this has put Europe in a position where they are heavily dependent on Russia for their energy supply, and this could be partly responsible for the strained relations between Europe and Russia. We discuss an article from The Free Press, which argues that the West's focus on soft energy renewables has allowed Putin to gain a stranglehold over Europe's energy supply.

Overall, this episode sheds light on the potential of small modular nuclear reactors as a quick, safe, and productive solution to Europe's energy crisis. The Last Energy deal could be a turning point for nuclear energy in Europe, and we explore the wider implications of this shift in energy policy.