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Division Spotlight
Robotics & Remote Systems
The Mission of the Robotics and Remote Systems Division is to promote the development and application of immersive simulation, robotics, and remote systems for hazardous environments for the purpose of reducing hazardous exposure to individuals, reducing environmental hazards and reducing the cost of performing work.
Meeting Spotlight
Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
February 2025
Nuclear Technology
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A series of firsts delivers new Plant Vogtle units
Southern Nuclear was first when no one wanted to be.
The nuclear subsidiary of the century-old utility Southern Company, based in Atlanta, Ga., joined a pack of nuclear companies in the early 2000s—during what was then dubbed a “nuclear renaissance”—bullish on plans for new large nuclear facilities and adding thousands of new carbon-free megawatts to the grid.
In 2008, Southern Nuclear applied for a combined construction and operating license (COL), positioning the company to receive the first such license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2012. Also in 2008, Southern became the first U.S. company to sign an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for a Generation III+ reactor. Southern chose Westinghouse’s AP1000 pressurized water reactor, which was certified by the NRC in December 2011.
Fast forward a dozen years—which saw dozens of setbacks and hundreds of successes—and Southern Nuclear and its stakeholders celebrated the completion of Vogtle Units 3 and 4: the first new commercial nuclear power construction project completed in the U.S. in more than 30 years.
Educational Session|Panel|Sponsored by Innovation
Tuesday, August 6, 2024|1:30–3:00PM EDT|Banyan 1
In Part 1 of innovations for expanding the value of the current fleet and further extending nuclear power plant life, many topics will be covered including Subsequent License Renewal, Extended Power Uprates and Digital Upgrades. Part 2 will cover additional topics supporting generating additional clean, nuclear energy from the existing fleet. This session features an expert panel from suppliers and utilities with a focus on nuclear fuel. Topics include 24-month cycles, Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF), Higher Enrichments and Burnup and Spent Fuel Storage. A good portion of today’s operating fleet have already realized the benefits of 24-month cycle operations, including significant reduced costs for fewer refueling outages and increased nuclear generation, however there are segments of the operating reactors that have been unable to achieve an economic fuel cycle when limited to 5 weight percent Uranium enrichment. With the introduction of LEU+ (Low Enriched Uranium Plus) and higher licensed burnups, all plants have a clear economic path to 24-month operating cycles. Even reactors already operating 24-month cycles can take advantage of these innovations for more optimized fuel costs or even consider cycles longer than 24-months. Of course, this comes with modifications and licensing efforts for enrichment facilities, shipment from enrichers to fabricators, Fuel Fabrication facilities, shipment from fabricators to reactor sites and the reactors themselves, including spent fuel storage. The panel will provide examples of their innovative approaches and ignite the discussion for all participants around this challenging, but exciting topic.
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