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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|Cosponsored by ETWDD
Wednesday, June 15, 2022|8:00–9:45AM PDT|Santa Monica
Session Chair:
Tim P. Tinsley
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Christina Leggett
The provision of alpha-related skills, knowledge, and capability that can support long term or future projects is a challenge due to the specific and unique nature of the skills required. The timeline to develop skills, especially subject matter expertise, is often long, is expensive, and needs access to unique facilities. Developing a sustainable and long term skills development program is therefore essential, and collaboration between organizations can be a real benefit. This panel will present the challenge around alpha-related skills and discuss the potential approaches to providing a robust and sustainable skills development program.
Fiona Rayment
Chief Scientist and Technology Officer, National Nuclear Laboratory
Bob Wham
ORNL
Stephen Johnson
INL
Henry Hickling
Sellafield Ltd
Maria Kriz
SRNL