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Conference Spotlight
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.
Executive Session|Panel
Wednesday, November 15, 2023|1:00–2:45PM EST|International Ballroom East
Session Chair:
Andrew Smith (ANS)
Exploring new ways of communicating to local stakeholders about the storage and transportation of nuclear byproducts
From Indian Point and Pilgrim to Fukushima and Monticello, 2023 put tritium water into the public spotlight as policymakers debated – and sometimes blocked – planned discharges. The federal government’s pursuit of a consent-based siting approach for interim storage facilities is raising the importance of communications and engagement on the storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel across the United States. Meanwhile, the continued Russian occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant provoked a flurry of media speculation over the safety of nuclear waste storage. Join a panel discussion on lessons learned from recent experiences in communicating the “back end” of the nuclear fuel cycle and discuss what we can do to help cement the public’s consent.
Patrick O'Brien
Holtec
Paul Dickman
ANL
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Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees) — Paul Dickman Presentation Slides
Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees) — Patrick O'Brien Presentation Slides