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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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Getting back to yes: A local perspective on decommissioning, restart, and responsibility
For 45 years, Duane Arnold Energy Center operated in Linn County, Ia., near the town of Palo and just northwest of Cedar Rapids. The facility, owned by NextEra Energy, was the only nuclear power plant in the state.
In August 2020, a historic derecho swept across eastern Iowa with winds approaching 140 miles per hour. Damage to the plant’s cooling towers accelerated a shutdown that had already been planned, and the facility entered decommissioning soon after, with its fuel removed in October of that year. Iowa’s only nuclear plant had gone off line.
Today the national energy landscape looks very different than it did just six short years ago. Electricity demand is rising rapidly as data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and electrification expand across the country. Reliable, carbon-free baseload power has become increasingly valuable. In that context, Linn County has approved the rezoning necessary to support the recommissioning and restart of Duane Arnold and is actively supporting NextEra’s efforts to secure the remaining state and federal approvals.
April 16–18, 2026
Don’t Mess with Nuclear: Leading the Way
College Station, TX|Texas A&M University
Photo gallery posted!
Advance registration was required, and onsite registration will not be available. If you are a speaker, panelist, session chair, or have a comp code, your spot has been reserved. You will receive an email with instructions to complete your registration.
The ANS student section at Texas A&M University is excited to welcome students from across the world to the heart of Aggieland for the ANS Student Conference 2026.
Rooted in the bold spirit of Texas, “Don’t Mess with Nuclear” embodies both the resilience and responsibility that define the pursuit of nuclear technology. Drawing inspiration from the iconic “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan, this theme celebrates a culture of pride, professionalism, and technical excellence within nuclear science and engineering.
In recent years, our world has endured extraordinary challenges, from global pandemics to pressing energy crises. Through it all, nuclear technology has stood as a steadfast symbol of stability, innovation, and progress. This theme calls on students to mirror that same strength, rising to meet challenges with resolve and driving boldly toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
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More Details
The pick up location at IAH will be Terminal C ground level/level 1 right outside the baggage claim area at curbside. Buses will pull up to the charter bus pick up area located in the middle lane for passenger pick-up.
All sponsors are recognized on the conference website and in promotional communications. Sponsorship packages are limited, so reserve your package early.
View the prospectus
Please contact us at:
Brindley Wade (graduate co-chair): Brindleywade@tamu.edu
Kira Burt (undergraduate co-chair): Kiraburt@tamu.edu
