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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.
UWC 2022 speaker
Mr. John Burta, currently the Director of the Darlington Regulatory Program at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), has held positions of progressive seniority since starting with the organization in 2006. With 10 years of experience in various nuclear power plant inspector roles, John gained ample field and management experience, equipping him for an executive role in 2015. In his current position, John is the CNSC’s single point of contact for all licensing, compliance, enforcement, planning, engagement and reporting activities associated with the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
As an active member of the global nuclear community, John represents the CNSC in various international activities. He is Canada’s National Officer for the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) and serves as a member of the INES Advisory Committee. In addition, he is the National Coordinator for the Incident Reporting Systems for Operating Experience and also serves on it’s Advisory Committee.
John completed a Master's in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology following his undergraduate degrees in Health Science (Nuclear Medicine) from Dalhousie University and Applied Management from the University of New Brunswick. In addition, John has completed the Certificate Program in Regulatory Leadership from the University of Ottawa.
Last modified July 5, 2022, 8:47am EDT
