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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.
November 9–12, 2025
Advancing Innovative Waste Solutions for Sustainable Nuclear Energy
Washington, DC
The landscape of nuclear energy has evolved dramatically since our last International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference (IHLRWM) in 2022. As advanced reactor development accelerates, stakeholders increasingly recognize the essential role of nuclear energy in achieving clean energy goals, enhancing energy security, and providing reliable long-term baseload power. Management of the “back end” of the fuel cycle is an important issue for all countries using or considering nuclear power. As this conference demonstrates, solutions are found through integration of science, technology, and society. IHLRWM provides an international forum for the discussion of all aspects of storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal of used/spent fuel, high-level, and long-lived waste. Innovative approaches, progress, and lessons learned will be shared amongst participants from industry, government, academia, and the interested public. Young generation and student participation is welcomed and encouraged to enrich the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Cooperation is encouraged and expected from numerous professional and technical societies, national laboratories, federal agencies, and commercial organizations throughout the world.
General Chair:
Sylvia J. Saltzstein (Sandia National Laboratories)
Program Chair:
Emily Stein (Sandia National Laboratories)
Assistant Program Chairs:
Chammi Miller (Sandia National Laboratories)Jens Birkholzer (LBNL)Erika Holt (VTT)Hiroyuki Umeki (NUMO)
