Dr. Oliver Hemmers, a nuclear physicist and policy fellow at Nevada Policy, joined The Scott Jennings Show this week to discuss the future of nuclear energy in Nevada and why nuclear fuel recycling could reshape America’s energy future.
The national interview showcased Nevada Policy’s growing leadership on energy policy while highlighting how Nevada can play a significant role in meeting rising electricity demand through advanced nuclear technology.
What Is a Nuclear Fuel Pellet?
During the interview, Hemmers demonstrated the incredible energy density of nuclear fuel using a simple visual: a model of a nuclear fuel pellet roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
That tiny pellet contains approximately the same amount of energy as one ton of coal.
When multiplied across the thousands of fuel pellets used in America’s 94 operating nuclear reactors, the amount of energy produced is remarkable. Nuclear power’s ability to generate large amounts of reliable, carbon-free electricity from a relatively small amount of fuel is one reason it is receiving renewed attention nationwide.
How Nuclear Fuel Recycling Could Unlock More Energy
According to Hemmers, the real opportunity begins after a fuel pellet has completed its first use inside a reactor.
Today, spent nuclear fuel is stored safely at reactor sites throughout the United States. However, much of the fuel’s potential energy remains unused.
Through advanced nuclear fuel recycling, much of that remaining energy can be recovered. Hemmers explained that each spent fuel pellet could produce the equivalent of another 25 tons of coal while also recovering valuable materials, including precious metals and rare earth elements used in modern technology.
He estimated that the energy and resources currently stored in America’s spent nuclear fuel could be worth as much as $100 trillion—enough energy to help power the United States, including its rapidly expanding data center industry, for approximately 200 years.
Nevada’s Growing Data Centers Need More Reliable Power
Nevada is experiencing rapid growth in data centers, particularly in the Reno and Las Vegas regions. These facilities require enormous amounts of reliable, around-the-clock electricity to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
As more companies invest in Nevada, energy demand is rising dramatically.
Hemmers emphasized that nuclear fuel recycling is not an immediate replacement for existing energy sources. Instead, it represents a long-term strategy that could strengthen Nevada’s energy portfolio while improving energy reliability and making better use of fuel that already exists.
Why Nevada Should Consider Advanced Nuclear Energy
As states across the country explore new nuclear technologies, Nevada has an opportunity to become a leader in advanced nuclear energy and fuel recycling.
Hemmers noted that five states have already begun pursuing similar initiatives and that the concept has received bipartisan interest. By evaluating policies that encourage innovation in nuclear energy, Nevada could position itself to support economic growth, strengthen grid reliability, and meet the increasing electricity demands of industries such as advanced manufacturing and data centers.
Nevada Has an Opportunity to Lead on Nuclear Energy Policy
As America’s energy needs continue to grow, conversations about advanced nuclear technology are becoming increasingly important.
Dr. Hemmers’ appearance on The Scott Jennings Show highlighted both the promise of nuclear fuel recycling and Nevada’s potential role in the next generation of energy production. By exploring innovative energy solutions today, Nevada can help build a more reliable, resilient, and prosperous energy future.
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