ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Aug 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
October 2026
Nuclear Technology
September 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
August 2026
Latest News
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.
Educational Session|Panel|Plant Reliability
Monday, August 8, 2022|1:30–3:00PM EDT|Banyan 2
Session Chair:
Bill Eckes (INPO)
Track Organizer:
Emmett Wilmes (MPR)
Knowledge Manager:
Ashley Bridgmon (Southern Co.)
As the nuclear industry implements actions and initiatives to be competitive in a market with historically low natural gas prices and introduction of renewable generation sources such as wind and solar, maintaining high capacity factors is essential to keeping plants operating. There are typically more than 200 equipment failures events each year that result in lost generation. In September 2021, INPO issued IER 21-04 to address this issue and improve plant reliability in the industry. The IER approach to improving performance addresses changing behaviors and the culture of corporate and site staff to focus on plant reliability. These changes include using a consequence bias for risk identification and mitigation and cross-functional engagement. This session will provide an overview of the actions taken in the industry to respond to the IER recommendations. This session will include a INPO and utility panel discussion on programs, their results, and how they relate to addressing INPO IER 21-04.
Shawn Simons
INPO
To access session resources, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
Register NowLog In
Session Notes