Babbage: A new age of nuclear power?

<p>The war in Ukraine is causing countries to <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/03/26/weaning-europe-off-russian-energy-will-mean-making-changes?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rethink their dependence on Russian energy</a>. Some governments are turning to nuclear power. While unpopular, it is one of the safest and most sustainable forms of energy—and <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2021/11/13/the-discreet-charm-of-nuclear-power?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">an essential weapon in the fight against climate change</a>. Can innovations in <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/developers-of-small-modular-reactors-hope-their-time-has-come/21808321?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">technology</a> and <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2022/03/26/britains-next-nuclear-plant-will-be-identical-to-one-under-construction?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=babbage&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">engineering</a> help to revive the nuclear industry? Alok Jha hosts.</p><p><br></p><p>For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at <a href="http://www.economist.com/podcastoffer?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcastoffer</a> and sign up for our weekl