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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
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August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
In transition: Commercializing fusion power
Commercial fusion power is closer than ever. There are now around 30 U.S. fusion companies, several of which claim to be on track to connect to the grid as early as the 2030s.
Tokamak and laser inertial confinement approaches benefit from decades of research at facilities such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and ITER, with alternative concepts including stellarator, magnetic mirror, and Z-pinch confinement also making notable progress as private and government funding for fusion increases.
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.