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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.
18th International Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Analysis (PSA 2023)
Dr. Curtis Smith is the Director of the INL Nuclear Safety and Regulatory Research Division, leading a staff of 83 scientists and engineers supporting the demonstration of innovative nuclear energy solutions and resilient critical infrastructure. Prior to taking a leadership role as Division Director, he led several risk-informed activities including the Risk-Informed Systems Analysis Pathway under the Department of Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s SAPHIRE risk analysis software development; the Risk Integration and Uncertainty Working Group for the NASA Interagency Nuclear Safety Review Panel for both the Mars 2020 and Mars Science Laboratory missions; and served on the executive committee for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis Division. In 2023, Dr. Smith was awarded the INL Laboratory Director Award for Leadership. He was also awarded the Idaho State University 2023 Professional Achievement Award for the College of Science and Engineering.
Dr. Smith has been at INL for over 33 years and has published over 300 papers, books, and reports on risk, safety, and reliability theory and applications. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in nuclear engineering from Idaho State University and a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT.
Last modified June 6, 2023, 3:29pm EDT
