31 Mar 2026
49m

How Radiant and Heron Are Rethinking Power Generation and Delivery

Podcast cover

The a16z Show

The discussion centers on the urgent need to modernize the U.S. electricity grid to support rising energy demands from AI, reindustrialization, and electric transport. It highlights that delivery, not generation, is the primary bottleneck due to decades of underinvestment and reliance on outdated infrastructure. The conversation explores innovative solutions, including portable nuclear microreactors and solid-state power electronics, to enable a more decentralized, resilient, and software-defined grid. Doug Bernauer and Drew Baglino share their companies' approaches to mass-producing reactors and power conversion systems, respectively, emphasizing modularity and manufacturability. They also address the potential for data centers to stabilize the grid through advanced software and power electronics, and the importance of securing domestic supply chains for critical components.

Outlines

Part 1: Grid Crisis, Context

Part 2: Investment, Innovation Thesis

Part 3: Core Technologies, Solutions

Part 4: Manufacturing, Scalability

Part 5: Market Applications, Infrastructure

Part 6: Conclusion

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