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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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August 2026
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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.
2021 CONTE Virtual Meeting Plenary Session Speaker
Maria Lacal is Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer for Arizona Public Service Company (APS). Lacal is responsible for all nuclear-related activities associated with the Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy. She is also responsible for the nuclear assurance division and employee concerns and safety culture programs. Lacal joined APS in 2007 as the director of strategic projects at Palo Verde. She was promoted to vice president of operations support in 2011, and then promoted to senior vice president of regulatory and oversight in 2015. Before joining APS, Lacal served as director of operations support for the nuclear division of Florida Power & Light Co., and held management positions at Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station in Florida. Lacal obtained a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Reactor Operator License in 1996. Lacal also has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami and completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
Last modified December 7, 2020, 4:35pm EST
