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2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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60 Years of U: Perspectives on resources, demand, and the evolving role of nuclear energy
Recent years have seen growing global interest in nuclear energy and rising confidence in the sector. For the first time since the early 2000s, there is renewed optimism about the industry’s future. This change is driven by several major factors: geopolitical developments that highlight the need for secure energy supplies, a stronger focus on resilient energy systems, national commitments to decarbonization, and rising demand for clean and reliable electricity.
Technical Session|Panel|Sponsored by RPD
Wednesday, November 20, 2024|10:00–11:45AM EST|Canaveral 3
Session Chair:
Pavel V. Tsvetkov (TAMU)
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Zeyun Wu
A number of research reactors, test reactors, and facilities are in operation or are being developed and built. They support important R&D programs towards current and future developments. Many of these facilities are at university campuses, serving as both educational and R&D instruments. Although the design space of research facilities is dominated by light water systems, interest is growing in expanding research capabilities towards advanced research reactors. Universities are exploring pathways to bring either advanced research reactors or advanced irradiation capabilities to their campuses. Recently, Abilene Christian University received a construction permit approval to bring Natura Resources MSR-1 as the university advanced research reactor. This panel, composed of university community experts, will discuss ongoing and planned efforts involving research reactors, test reactors, and research facilities focusing on the significant opportunities offered by these systems in support of advanced reactor R&D. Economics, deployment, and licensing related to having such facilities on university campuses will be taken into discussion.
Rusty Towell
Abilene Christian Univ.
Kostadin Ivanov
NCSU
Sandra Bogetic
Univ. Tennessee, Knoxville
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