Mission Shunya

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 into...

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 sect...

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 operatio...

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 s...

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 sh...

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 w...

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...

Building materials are key components in assessing the net carbon impact of construction sector and in recent times there are a bunch of early stage companies that are claiming to have an USP with their product or technology. Loren Burnett, President, CEO and Co-founder, Prometheus Materials joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation to share their innovation which is inspired by the composition o...

"Did you know that the construction industry/the built environment is responsible for nearly 30-40% of global carbon emissions? Yes, that is exactly the topic we are going to discuss in this series, ‘Building Green: Decarbonizing Construction’. On this episode Tercia Jansen Van Vuuren a global expert and a practitioner of sustainable practices in the construction shares her experience, views and a...

"Did you know that the construction industry/the built environment is responsible for nearly 30-40% of global carbon emissions? Yes, that is exactly the topic we are going to discuss in this series, ‘Building Green: Decarbonizing Construction’. Jack Wardale, Director at Terra Instinct joins us for the inaugural episode on this series to build on from our earlier conversations around ESG and lay th...

Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) related discussions is happening across the board but not everyone is keen. So what is holding us back in the adoption of ESG practices by businesses?  Gabriel Thoumi, President & CEO of Responsible Alpha joins Girish Shivakumar to share his experience of running into problems in implementation of ESG practices around the world. Connect with Gabriel:...

On this second of a three part series around ESG we look at “How are businesses navigating the ESG landscape?”.  Tomoo Machib from Zeroboard joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation.  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 ( https:...

ESG is everywhere, but what is it all about? What is the big deal? Why are companies worried about ESG implementation? How does this play into the wider net-zero transition? All this and more on this first of a three part series around ESG with Girish Shivakumar. Artwork courtesy - www.terregeneration.com a content agency specialised in telling stories in climate, biodiversity and sustainability....

Mission Shunya hits ‘100’ and it’s time to hit rewind and look back at the journey so far, the highs, the lows and everything in between. On this special episode, Girish Shivakumar is interviewed by the TerreGeneration team ft. Jacob and Kaushik where he shares his journey from creating the podcast to doing 100 episodes over the last few years and what to expect over the next 100 and beyond.  Terr...

Are you looking to upgrade your bike to an e-bike? Well, you don’t have to buy a new one; all you need is a ‘Clip’. On this week’s episode Som Ray, CEO & Founder at Clip Bike joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation.  Key topics:  The problem with conventional bikes The innovation behind ‘Clip’ Will the E-bike boom sustain in the post pandemic years? Clip as a solution for personal & sha...

What is community solar? How can commercial & industrial (C&I) sector players leverage this asset to cut down on energy bills? All this and more discussed on this episode where Gabriel Phillips, CEO, Catalyst Power joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation. Key topics:  What is community solar? Who benefits more from community solar? Energy efficiency in Commercial & Industrial (C&amp...

Waste is ubiquitous, can solutions be ubiquitous too? Well, it can be, if the solution conceptualized by UBQ Materials is scaled up according to Rachel Barr who joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation.  Key topics:  Diverting waste from landfills What is UBQ material? The climate positive process of conversion Supporting a circular economy by reimagining waste Scaling up UBQ materials in the de...

Soil is a crucial piece in the carbon sequestration cycle, but are we doing enough to preserve it? Are we incentivizing farmers to practice sustainable farming? How can carbon credits enable farmers get additional revenue? All this and more discussed on this episode where Robin Saluoks, Founder and CEO from eAgronom joins Girish Shivakumar for a chat. Key topics:  Sustainable farming Soil Carbon S...

Qatar spent nearly 15 times more than Russia in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was it worth it? Are big sporting events really sustainable in the long run? Was London Olympics of 2012 the real success story? All this and more discussed on this episode where Girish Shivakumar is joined by  Jitesh Brahmkshatriya, Senior Director at CBRE. Key topics:  Sustainability of large infrastructure projects...

First & last mile commute account for nearly 25% of transport emissions and sustainable micro-mobility is the way forward.  Wim Ouboter, the ‘Swiss Elon Musk’, founder of Micro Mobility Systems joins Girish Shivakumar on this episode sharing his story of building a business around kick scooters and now launching the Microlino. Key topics:  Importance of innovation in business Storytelling and...

The unexpected events in Europe have resulted in an energy crisis of sorts but the biggest fear is the winter that is around the corner. Matthew Myers joins Girish Shivakumar to share his perspectives on the current situation. Key topics:  The energy price rise in Europe Natural gas situation in UK and Europe Demand side measures for the winter The importance of thermostats The economics of heat p...

Everyone talks about recycling and reusing resources but what does it take to setup & scale a business in this sector? A.L.N. Rao, CEO of Exigo Recycling joins Girish Shivakumar to share his experience. Key topics:  ·        What it takes to set up & scale recycling business in India? ·        The importance of informal sector in the landscape ·        The evolving policy and regulatory la...