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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Educational Session|Panel|Sponsored by Innovation
Monday, August 5, 2024|9:30–11:00AM EDT|Banyan 1
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly hot topic over the last few years, with use cases across industries. In this session, our panelists will delve into how the nuclear industry can take advantage of generative and non-generative AI to increase operational efficiencies, achieve cost savings, and deliver on the Nuclear Promise. Come hear how utilities are leveraging AI for 50.69 categorization and licensing innovation, developing word language models to support drafting evaluations and smart search capabilities, and strategic planning for adapting AI in a nuclear fleet. In addition, our panelists will discuss their own best practices for achieving site leadership buy-in to utilize AI in their plants. Come hear how utilities are developing word language models trained on a vast array of Nuclear documents for specific applications, utilizing AI for 50.69 licensing innovation, conducting strategic planning for adapting AI in a nuclear fleet, and Developing Large Language Model (LLM) based generative AI solutions to assist in regulator paperwork related to nuclear power plants. In addition, our panelists will discuss their own best practices for addressing common challenges related to AI.
Taylor Smith
Comanche Peak
Bradley Fox
Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station
Michael Drudy
Westinghouse
Carrie Gilbreath
Southern Nuclear
Jesse Thomas
Antti Kankkunen
Blue Wave AI Labs
Joshua Bell
Dominion Energy
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Session Notes