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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.
T. Chris Fonner
Nuclear Technology | Volume 87 | Number 4 | December 1989 | Pages 759-771
Technical Paper | TMI-2: Decontamination and Waste Management / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A27669
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
As Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) defueling progresses, an ongoing transitional program has been developed that incorporates plant equipment modifications as necessary to place TMI-2 in a “postdefueling monitored storage” (PDMS) configuration. The ultimate decision to either restart the plant or to decommission it has been deferred until some time in the future. The PDMS period will commence when essentially all of the fuel is removed and will terminate when a decommissioning or restart program begins. During this period, the plant will be laid up in a safe and stable storage condition. To maintain the plant in this storage condition, hardware modifications are required to convert the plant from one that is dependent on the continuous operation of plant systems and equipment for maintaining stability to one that will remain safe and stable with a minimum of operating or standby systems and equipment. By performing the numerous modifications required, a safe, stable plant will be maintained, ensuring the health and safety of the public and workers at TMI-2.