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Conference Spotlight
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.
Technical Session|Panel|Sponsored by FCWMD
Wednesday, June 19, 2024|1:00–2:45PM PDT|Jasmine A
Session Chair:
Joshua R. Turner
Alternate Chair:
Sven O. Bader
Session Organizer:
Tim P. Tinsley
A session aimed to bring out the ideas around how to improve nuclear sustainability. The latest in comparing the benefits and disbenefits of a closed fuel cycle through a sustainability lens (e.g., LCA assessments): Nuclear fuel as a mine of strategically important minerals - Latest research into methods of extracting useful materials from spent nuclear fuel (PGM recovery, isotope extraction), Scientific and technology developments that unlock major sustainability benefits in (Based on NEA strategic objectives for advanced reprocessing): Reduced capital costs through smaller plant footprint (process intensification, e.g., centrifugal contactors), Increase proliferation resistance, Reduced waste generation and lower environmental impact, Pu multi-recycling, Safer processes.
Joshua Turner
National Nuclear Laboratory
Ross Radel
Chief Technology Officer
SHINE
Andrew Worrall
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Laura Cree
Washington River Protection Solutions
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