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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|Sponsored by Plant Reliability
Monday, August 7, 2023|1:30–3:00PM EDT|Banyan 2
Session Chair:
Pareez Golub (Sargent & Lundy)
Knowledge Manager:
Cameron Khanpour
There is a strong case for reduction in O&M costs, operational risk, and maintenance burden through strategic replacement of plant protection systems. As plants decide on subsequent license renewal, the case for replacing aging analog protection systems becomes more powerful. This Panel will have participants from the utilities that are currently starting or in the middle of Digital Protection System Replacement Projects. The presenters will provide the current status of their Digital Protection System Project implementations or key considerations. Critical insights will include plant reliability improvements, MCR modernization, lifecycle strategies, connectivity, and data utilization and visualization of the new digital systems. Panelists will cover topics such as: initial scoping, digital platform contract considerations, stakeholder engagement, early project implementation experiences and processes, NRC licensing interactions and potential use of 50.69 to optimize safety system scope.
Mark Samselski
Constellation
Ray Herb
SNC
Clayton Crouch
Dominion
Rufino Ayala
Paragon
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