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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.
A. T. Onesto, H. R. Zweig, D. C. Gibbs, R. D. Carlson, E. Rodwell, C. R. Kakarala
Nuclear Technology | Volume 103 | Number 2 | August 1993 | Pages 168-186
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT93-A34841
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
After operating pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generators in U.S. nuclear plants during the past 33 yr and plugging thousands of tubes and replacing numerous steam generators at immense costs, utility and steam generator designers are now confident that they can design, build, and operate PWR steam generators successfully. Deployment of liquid-metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs) will likely follow the same scenario if long-term testing is not performed and development completed prior to commercial deployment. A case is made for endurance testing of steam generators to be used in future LMFBRs.