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2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Center for Used Fuel Research: Building confidence in storage and transport
Used nuclear fuel storage and transportation have reached a critical juncture.
Dozens of utilities need reliable data on how used nuclear fuel performs in dry storage casks and canisters to extend regulatory licenses at sites across the United States. Likewise, the Department of Energy expects to take ownership of the used nuclear fuel—termed “spent nuclear fuel” in the laws and regulations governing its stewardship—and transfer it to one or more federal staging facilities for management and disposition.
Meanwhile, dozens of reactor companies are testing prototypes of advanced reactors and advanced reactor fuels. Eventually, regulators and industry must also verify the safety and security of storage methods for these advanced fuel types.
To help address these challenges, the DOE established the Center for Used Fuel Research (CUFR) in January 2026 for work related to the long-term storage and transport of used nuclear fuel.
Joe Colvin is a senior chief executive officer with extensive political, public and advocacy background in corporate management, coupled with over 50 years of nuclear energy operational, engineering and management experience.
Colvin served on the board of the American Nuclear society from 2007-2012 and served as the President of the Society from 2010- 2011, managing the industry’s response to the nuclear accident at Fukushima in Japan.
Colvin is President Emeritus of the Nuclear Energy Institute, Inc., NEI, serving as its President and CEO from 1996-2005. He previously held senior executive positions with the NEI, the Nuclear Management and Resources Committee and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He also served over twenty years as a line officer in the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine program.
In 1969, Colvin earned a BSEE from University of New Mexico and graduated from Harvard’s School of Business’ Advanced Management Program.
Read Nuclear News from July 2010 for more on Joe