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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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October 2026
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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.
Technical Session|Panel
Tuesday, May 9, 2023|1:30–3:10PM MDT|Twin Falls Room
Session Chair:
Michael G. Houts
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chairs:
Kurt Polzin
Vedant K. Mehta
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) can help enable the detailed exploration and extensive utilization of the solar system, as well as provide enhanced capability for pragmatic earth-moon system (cislunar) delivery missions typically conducted by upper stage rocket engines. The NTP panel will discuss the history of NTP, ongoing and near-term NTP activities, and potential future NTP systems and missions.
Tabitha Dodson
DARPA
Jason Turpin
NASA
Harold Gerrish
NASA-MSFC
Patrick Frye
Blue Origin
