I is driving massive energy demand, with data centers at the center of it all. Can nuclear provide a sustainable solution? In this final episode of the nuclear series, I speak with Ruan Steyn about how nuclear power could support the AI revolution — from scalability and economics to aligning with net-zero goals. And a quick update: Mission Shunya is now ranked among the top energy transition podcasts worldwide by Feedspot 🎉 Follow Ruan Steyn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ruan-steyn 🎙 Hosted by Girish Shivakumar | Mission Shunya — conversations towards the global zero carbon transition

Fusion energy’s biggest challenge? Plasma confinement. In this episode, Dr. Katarina Bendtz of Novatron Fusion explains how her team is developing a novel magnetic confinement approach, what makes their design different, and how Europe is carving its own fusion path. A conversation at the intersection of physics, innovation, and career inspiration.

How do we assess the safety and resilience of nuclear systems? In this episode, PRA & Risk Analysis Engineer Jenifer Avellaneda Díaz breaks down the evolving world of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) — from lessons learned after nuclear accidents to its growing relevance in SMRs and the AI-driven future of energy. We also explore how PRA supports innovation, builds public trust, and informs long-term energy decisions. 🔗 Connect with Jenifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifer-avellaneda/ 🎙 Hosted by Girish Shivakumar | Mission Shunya – conversations towards the global zero carbon transition

Can a fusion startup change the future of energy? In this episode, Francesco Volpe, founder of Renaissance Fusion, shares how his team is building Europe’s first commercial stellarator reactor. We talk fusion tech, startup realities, and why the “30 years away” mindset might finally be shifting. A bold, science-driven conversation on the future of clean energy.

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast’s nuclear energy series, we step into the global arena with Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) — the body that represents the worldwide nuclear industry. From COP28’s commitment to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to regional differences in policy, deployment, and public perception, Dr. Sama brings a global systems-level view to the nuclear dialogue. We unpack the role of WNA in shaping international frameworks, supporting industry collaboration, and navigating the complex balance between advocacy, public trust, and regulatory realities. Next up: We head into the world of fusion with Renaissance Fusion — a deep dive into how Europe is tackling fusion energy differently. Mission Shunya is a podcast that brings you stories at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and the energy transition — hosted by Girish Shivakumar. Connect with Dr Sama: https://world-nuclear.org/

Nuclear energy has long stood at the intersection of promise and controversy. From concerns over safety and public perception to its evolving place in global clean energy strategies, the conversation around nuclear is rarely straightforward. In this episode, Girish Shivakumar sits down with Richard Orlington of Radiant Energy Group — a veteran energy analyst tracking the global power sector — to separate fact from fiction. We explore: Why nuclear’s public narrative has shifted from weapons and accidents to clean, firm energy The lifecycle and real timelines behind nuclear project development How energy policies around the world are beginning to re-embrace nuclear Connect with Richard: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/richardollington | https://www.radiantenergygroup.com/ Artwork courtesy: www.terregeneration.com – a content agency specialised in stories on climate, biodiversity and sustainability.

What exactly is nuclear energy? How do nuclear power plants work? And are the concerns about safety still valid today? In this foundational episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear series, host Girish Shivakumar sits down with Dr Paul Cosgrove, nuclear energy researcher from the University of Cambridge to unpack the basics. From the science of nuclear fission to modern safety protocols and global shifts in energy policy, this conversation lays the groundwork for understanding nuclear energy's place in the clean energy transition. Whether you're a skeptic, a supporter, or simply curious, this is your starting point to make sense of the ‘N’ word in net zero. Connect with Paul: https://www.cnec.uk/dr-paul-cosgrove Artwork courtesy - www.terregeneration.com a content agency specialised in telling stories in climate, biodiversity and sustainability.

Host Girish Shivakumar kicks off a new series by sharing his personal story—from joining the renewables movement post-Fukushima to now questioning nuclear’s role in our net-zero future. Why is nuclear making a comeback? What changed between 2011 and 2025? And why should we all care? This solo episode sets the stage for an honest, balanced exploration of nuclear energy with global experts in upcoming episodes. Links & Resources: Follow the podcast: missionshunya.com Connect with Girish on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/girishshivakumar New episodes every 2 weeks Artwork courtesy: www.terregeneration.com – a content agency specialising in storytelling across climate, biodiversity, and sustainability.

In this insightful episode of Mission Shunya, host Girish Shivakumar welcomes Gabriel Thoumi, CEO of Responsible Alpha, to discuss the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in today’s financial landscape. As the political climate shifts globally, Gabriel shares expert insights into how investors and financial institutions are adapting their strategies to align with ESG principles. Explore how political changes impact sustainable investing, the role of ESG in risk management, and why financial markets are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Whether you're a financial professional, investor, or simply interested in the future of responsible investing, this episode is packed with crucial information about the intersection of finance, sustainability, and global politics. Tune in for actionable takeaways on integrating ESG into financial strategies and staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. Connect with Gabriel: https://www.responsiblealpha.com

What do you do if you're one of the largest asset owners in your region, yet still have a commitment to a net-zero transition? While building retrofits present significant challenges, the effort is undeniably worthwhile. In this episode, Kyle Gray, the lead at The Crown Estate, shares insights into their journey toward net-zero and the hurdles they face. Joining Girish Shivakumar, Kyle discusses the trade-offs, the evolving landscape of building retrofits, and why this work is crucial for The Crown Estate's future. Connect with Kyle: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kylealexandergray Artwork courtesy - www.terregeneration.com a content agency specialised in telling stories in climate, biodiversity and sustainability. Liked the episode? Give a rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts. Share it with 3 people in your network, it just takes 30seconds.