Energy Dense Discussions

Heating accounts for roughly 40% of global energy demand, far more than most people realize. Yet while the conversation around nuclear energy often focuses on electricity, Tommi Nyman, CEO and co-founder of Steady Energy, believes one of nuclear's biggest opportunities lies somewhere much simpler: producing clean, reliable heat. In this episode, Mark Hinaman sits down with Tommi to discuss how his team is developing a new generation of small nuclear reactors designed specifically for district heating. Drawing on experience from CERN, Finland's Olkiluoto 3 project, and leading nuclear research at VTT, Tommi explains why removing the turbine and focusing solely on heat makes reactors simpler, more efficient, and potentially much cheaper to deploy. The conversation explores reactor design, passive safety, underground construction, natural circulation cooling, and how proven light-water technology can be adapted for an entirely new market. The discussion also looks beyond the technology to the business of bringing nuclear innovation to market. Tommi shares Steady Energy's journey from research project to venture-backed startup, the realities of fundraising in the nuclear sector, and why Finland has become an ideal place to commercialize advanced reactors. Together, they examine the future of district heating across Europe, the role nuclear could play in replacing fossil fuel boilers, and why energy security and affordability are becoming just as important as decarbonization. Whether you're interested in advanced reactors, clean energy, engineering, or the commercial side of nuclear innovation, this episode offers a thoughtful look at an often-overlooked application of nuclear technology, and why heating may become one of the industry's most important growth markets.