Charlyne Smith

Jan 3, 2024 | thebreakthrough.org | Charlyne Smith

Climate pledges and commitments took center stage at the 28th annual Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Countries promised money for various funds that are supposed to address climate change. However, these financial commitments fall far short of the scale required to make a significant impact. On the ground at COP28, I closely observed negotiations, engaged with delegates from around the world, and interacted with companies, universities, and various organizations.

Dec 12, 2023 | thebreakthrough.org | Peter Cook |Charlyne Smith |Adam Stein |Seaver T. Wang

A conflation of negligent historical practices with future prospects within the U.S. mining industry has created a misrepresentation that has left a long shadow hanging over potential uranium mining. In particular, the timeline of actors and actions in the Cold War-era U.S. uranium sector are vital for comprehensively understanding the development of U.S. uranium mining.

Nov 16, 2023 | thebreakthrough.org | Charlyne Smith |Adam Stein

Amid a surge of reactor designs from developers, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) anticipates a substantial increase in applications for licenses to build and operate advanced reactors. This impending wave underscores the urgent need for the NRC to modernize its review procedures, ensuring meticulous alignment with the mandates outlined in the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) of 2019.

Nov 9, 2023 | thebreakthrough.org | Charlyne Smith

Thirty-three students in Jamaica went back to school this fall with a lot to talk about: a five-day “Jamaica Nuclear Engineering Pilot Bootcamp,” where they learned about fission, fusion, the difference between energy and power, how advanced reactors work, and the many problems created by the reliance of Jamaica – and most of the world – on fossil fuels. The syllabus included a tour of Jamaica’s SLOWPOKE research reactor, the only reactor in the Caribbean.

Nov 2, 2023 | thebreakthrough.org | Charlyne Smith

There were no fireworks or marching bands, but Oct. 19, 2023 marked a significant milestone: the resumption of hearings required under Section 189a of the Atomic Energy Act for new reactor construction under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s main licensing framework.