On the horizon: NECX 2026

The details: NECX is a jointly hosted conference of the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute—serving as both a combination and an evolution of ANS’s Utility Working Conference and NEI’s Nuclear Energy Assembly. The two organizations bring together utilities, advanced reactor developers, suppliers, regulators, policymakers, investors, engineers, and innovators for a wide range of discussions pertaining to the present and future of the industry. Sessions spread over eight educational tracks include the following:

• The National Imperative for the U.S.: The Next Generation of Large Reactors.
• Exploring the Modernization of the NRC.
• Powering Through Uncertainty: Building a Resilient Nuclear Supply Chain in a Shifting Global Market.
• From Criticality to Commercial Operations: Criticality Demonstrations.
• Strength in Collaboration: Building the Local Advanced Reactor Ecosystem.
• Regulatory Innovation in Practice: New Approaches for Modern Licensing.
• Refurbishments and Restarts, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Lessons in Megaproject Execution.
• Building New Nuclear: Defining the Workforce of Tomorrow.

Award plans: Industry awards will be presented at NECX 2026: the Top Innovative Practice (TIP) Awards, the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award, and the Walter H. Zinn Medal.

The TIP Awards honor individuals and teams from NEI member utilities who have significantly improved transferable practices, processes, or equipment for the industry. The Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award is jointly presented by ANS and NEI, recognizing an individual for outstanding service in developing and guiding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Walter H. Zinn Medal, one of the highest honors of ANS, recognizes leadership that has strengthened the nuclear industry through policy, advocacy, collaboration, and public service.

Learn more: Further program details, registration information, and much more can be found at nuclearenergyconference.org.