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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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August 2026
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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.
Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo (UWC 2023)
Matt Kirschenheiter is the Director of Design and Computer Engineering at TVA’s Fleet Center. In this role he has oversight of the nuclear fleet’s design, design regulatory, computer and cyber engineering programs. Matt has nearly 20 years of experience in engineering, maintenance, and operations at boiling water reactor facilities (BWR), pressurized water reactor (PWR) facilities and operating in the US Navy.
Kirschenheiter started his career as a nuclear submarine officer prior to joining TVA in 2009 and has served in various progressive roles in engineering and maintenance at TVA’s Sequoyah and Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plants. Kirschenheiter continues to serve as a Commander in the US Navy Reserve and a six-time Commanding Officer. Most recently, prior to returning to TVA in 2022, he served as the Director of Engineering and Chief Engineer at the Nevada National Security Site and in 2018 as the Director of Engineering at Fermi Nuclear Power Station (DTE).
Kirschenheiter earned his Senior Reactor Operator Management Certification from Sequoyah Nuclear Plant and is a graduate of INPO’s Senior Nuclear Plant Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Science in Industrial and System Engineering from the University of Alabama Huntsville.
Last modified July 14, 2023, 9:07am EDT
