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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.
Noriaki Takahashi, Hideaki Morishita, Naomichi Kanegae, Akihiro Niimi
Nuclear Technology | Volume 86 | Number 1 | July 1989 | Pages 7-16
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A34275
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
To reduce the cost of fast breeder reactor plants, advanced subsystem concepts are studied. The material quantities of the fuel handling system constituent subsystems are estimated and those with the largest quantities are selected for improvement. The advanced subsystem concepts studied include in-vessel fuel storage while cooling, an in-vessel fuel transfer machine with variable-reach arm, and a halfswing hinged-track fuel transfer machine. A significant reduction of overall system material quantity is promised by a suitable combination of the proposed advanced concepts.
