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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.
Decommissioning Environmental Science and Remote Technology 2021
Technical Session|Panel
Friday, December 3, 2021|10:00–11:45AM EST |Georgetown East
Session Chair:
Mark S. Campagna
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Lawrence E. Boing
The recent upsurge in Decommissioning, Dismantlement and Environmental Remediation of older NPPs demands use of a more effective and high value approach to Security Cost optimization during end of life asset management planning and project execution. The DDER sector stands as a leader within the nuclear industry having embraced more innovative technologies/methods including those now used in other relevant federal applications/arenas-i.e. US DOE/NNSA and DOD. Nuclear Power Plant security and safeguards processes and methods have demonstrated results that stand well above those in use at other types of conventional Power Plants- and should be recognized and realized for their contributions to the society greater good- both during operation and during DDER end -of asset life activities. However, the challenge is that typically this single cost element represents the highest O&M expenditure both year on year and during DDER. This panel will demonstrate how these high standards can continue to be met or exceeded during the future with substantial cost savings using available methodology including: * Use of modern tools - Evaluation of risk-informed and performance-based methods. * Planning conceptual advantage - Physical separation of active systems to the extent practical to avoid limiting localized consequences from security breaches or internal acts or external damage. * Consideration of remote/passive features * Identification of improvements to redundancy - * Minimization of reliance on personnel - * Evaluation of increased utilization of remote and automated technology - * Consideration of geo-location and other functional effects -
Francis Young
US NRC ( Ret)
Shawn Brust
Sargent & Lundy
Lawrence Boing
N
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