The New Fire

The New Fire is a powerful, enlightening 2017 documentary film directed by David Schumacher. This film reflects on a new generation of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, represented by individuals such as Ken Caldeira, Leslie Dewan, and even the global tycoon Bill Gates. These visionaries are working to develop cutting-edge ways to tackle the devastating challenges of climate change through nuclear power innovations. The film delves into the stories of these individuals, focusing on their relentless pursuit of cleaner energy options.

The film goes beyond the mere depiction of environmental concerns and ventures into the realm of potential solutions. Schumacher embarks on a discovery of technological innovation, with a focus on the power of the atom. The documentary makes a compelling case for nuclear power as an essential part of the solution to climate change, highlighting its potential to provide an immense amount of clean energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The three trailblazers featured in the documentary come from diverse backgrounds, each chosen for their unique solutions and perspectives. Ken Caldeira is an atmospheric scientist from Stanford University; Leslie Dewan is a nuclear engineer and co-founder of Transatomic Power, a company aiming to build safer nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, Bill Gates is known to many as the founder of Microsoft, but now aims to revolutionize the energy sector through Terrapower, a company creating a new kind of nuclear reactor.

The film begins by introducing the pressing issue of climate change, emphasizing the urgency of finding immediate and effective solutions. Here, Schumacher relies on interviews with specialists, historical businesses, archival footage and at times even personal stories. He then transitions to interviews with Caldeira, Dewan, and Gates. These figures share their visions and discuss their breakthrough projects in this domain, giving viewers a fascinating glimpse into the future potential of nuclear energy.

A major focus in The New Fire is on Transatomic Power and Terrapower, both trying to reinvent nuclear power. The former is working on a reactor that uses nuclear waste as a power source, aiming to essentially "recycle" what was previously considered harmful elements. The latter is aspiring to create a reactor that operates on depleted uranium, which would theoretically produce less waste and be safer than conventional reactors.

What sets The New Fire apart from other documentaries on nuclear power is its fresh perspective. Instead of dwelling on the past accidents and fears, Schumacher actively advocates for the technology's potential, representing it as a hopeful strategy for a carbon-free future. This is not a tale of doom and gloom but one of hope, innovation, and the power of human ingenuity.

While heavily academic, the presentation is anything but dry, turning complex scientific concepts into understandable narratives and emotional roller-coaster rides. The New Fire is visually captivating, using striking imagery to highlight the difference between carbon-based forms of energy and the clean future nuclear power could provide. The film also has an emotional thrust, fleshing out the human side of the story - researchers dedicated to the cause, bureaucrats resistant to change and communities living in the shadow of nuclear disaster.

The New Fire purposefully dodges from taking sides, steering clear from the debate between pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear activists. Rather, it invites viewers to think critically about the trade-offs we face and the decisions to be made if we are to effectively tackle the challenge of climate change.

In conclusion, The New Fire is a thought-provoking film, encouraging viewers to learn about nuclear energy with an open mind and consider its potential role in curbing climate change. Schumacher seeks to inspire audiences—especially the younger generation—to ask important questions about our planet's future and the role technology can play in protecting and preserving it. If we're serious about combating climate change, the film argues, nuclear power needs to be part of the conversation.