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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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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.
Educational Session|Panel|Plant Reliability
Tuesday, August 9, 2022|3:30–5:00PM EDT|Banyan 2
Session Chair:
Ray Herb (SNC)
Track Organizer:
Emmett Wilmes (MPR)
Knowledge Manager:
Ashley Bridgmon (Southern Co.)
Improving equipment reliability is a key objective for most utility enterprise strategies. With the ongoing concerns of aging plant components, there is pressure to effectively spend maintenance dollars to maintain reliability goals. Digital modernization provides the opportunity to fundamentally re-evaluate the concept of maintenance for a nuclear facility through data governance and data democratization. One important tool is through effective use of Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics (PM&D) Centers. PM&D Centers provide a window into the condition of the plant, advanced warning for challenges to plant reliability, while supporting efforts to reduce maintenance costs. This can support condition-based maintenance (CBM) efforts by utilizing advanced technology, data analytics, and subject matter experts to assist in early issue identification, diagnosis, and elimination of equipment performance issues. Additionally, how we use plant data from modernization efforts can streamline analysis and support innovative technologies such as digital twins and advanced prognostics. This panel will explore current and future uses of PM&D center technology and how utilization of equipment monitoring and data analytics enhance the identification, diagnosis, and elimination of plant and equipment performance issues. Panelists will provide overview of their facility’s capabilities and examples of ‘catches’ as well as plans for effective use and dissemination of plant equipment data.
Ray Herb
SNC
Pareez Golub
Sargent and Lundy
Molly Strasser
Xcel Energy
Vivek Agarwal
INL
Randall Olson
John Petriccione
Exelon
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