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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.
Technical Session|Panel|Radioisotope Power Systems
Tuesday, May 7, 2024|10:00–11:40AM MDT|Sweeney F
Session Chair:
Harsh Desai
Alternate Chair:
Session Organizer:
There has been a rapid growth in demand for space exploration and utilization of nuclear systems from both government and commercial customers. With multiple projects executing between AFRL, DARPA, and NASA, there has been significant progress in advancing commercial technologies for radioisotope power systems, nuclear thermal propulsion, and fission surface power. For successful deployment of these space nuclear systems, the nuclear industry will need to establish a resilient, affordable, and a sustainable supply chain for HALEU and radioisotopes. This panel assembles experts to deliberate on the crucial task of ensuring that the nuclear supply chain is well-equipped to meet this burgeoning need.
James Daffron
U.S. Dept. of Energy/Oak Ridge Environmental Management
Ken Rueter
United Cleanup Oak Ridge
Danielle Gagen
Westinghouse Electric Co.