Mission Shunya (Shunya=Zero) is all about the transition to a zero carbon economy. The podcast features conversations related to clean-tech and sustainability. A new podcast episode is released every fortnight. Experts from around the world are featured along with people whose businesses and actions are having a positive impact and aims to inspire every individual take action to do their bit for the planet. Renewable energy, electric vehicles, sustainable development, climate change, circular…
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Artificial Intelligence is fueling a surge in global electricity demand — with data centers emerging as one of the fastest-growing energy consumers. But can our current systems keep up sustainably? In this final episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear energy series, I speak with Ruan Steyn , a nuclear energy expert, about the role nuclear power could play in supporting the AI revolution. We discuss:…
Nuclear fusion is often described as the holy grail of clean energy — but why has it remained so elusive, and what makes plasma confinement such a critical challenge? In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we speak with Dr. Katarina Bendtz , a computational physicist at Novatron Fusion Group , a Swedish startup developing a radically different approach to magnetic confinement. We dive…
What does it take to build trust in nuclear energy? Behind every advanced reactor design, every regulatory approval, and every safety system lies a complex web of risk analysis — and that’s where Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) comes in. In this episode, we sit down with Jenifer Avellaneda Díaz , a PRA & Risk Analysis Engineer, to explore the foundational role PRA plays in the nuclear sector.…
In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we enter the world of nuclear fusion startups — where physics meets entrepreneurial grit. Joining me is Francesco Volpe , founder and CEO of Renaissance Fusion , a European company working to build the first commercial stellarator fusion reactor. Unlike the massive, government-led projects like ITER, Renaissance Fusion is a leaner, more agile…
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…
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…
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…
In this solo kickoff to a brand new series, host Girish Shivakumar takes listeners on a personal journey — from joining the renewable energy movement post-Fukushima to now exploring the evolving role of nuclear energy in our net-zero future. Why is nuclear suddenly back on the agenda for governments and tech giants? What has changed between 2011 and 2025? And why is this often-controversial topic…
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…
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…
