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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.
2025 ANS Winter Conference & Expo
Brandon M. Williams is the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration. A former U.S. Congressman, Navy veteran, and entrepreneur, Mr. Williams joins NNSA with a distinguished career in national security, technology, and economic development.
In 1989, Williams witnessed the Tiananmen Square student protests firsthand, which inspired his lifetime commitment to service. Fifteen months later, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for six years as a nuclear submarine officer.
Williams is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and completed training at the prestigious Naval Nuclear Power School. During his military service, Williams completed six strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific aboard the USS Georgia (SSBN 729), where he served as Electrical Officer and Strategic Missile Officer. He qualified on two separate naval reactor designs (S5W and S8G) and was responsible for the safety, security, and operational readiness of 24 Trident I C4 missiles, nuclear weapons security, radiological controls, and command codes.
Following his naval service, Williams earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he double majored in Operations & Information Management and Finance. His career in both the military and private sector has taken him across the country, ultimately settling in Central New York in 2010. He and his wife, Stephanie McRee—daughter of Col. Marshall McRee, a decorated Vietnam War veteran (having earned three Bronze Stars with Valor)—established an agribusiness in the Finger Lakes region, contributing to local economic development and tourism. There, he was elected to represent the people of Central New York in the U.S. House of Representatives and chaired the Energy Subcommittee for the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Williams is also an innovator in industrial technology and cybersecurity. As the founder of a software company, he has led efforts to modernize large-scale manufacturing operations, enhance critical infrastructure security, and advance efficiency through cutting-edge solutions.
Last modified October 14, 2025, 8:56am EDT
