About

As advanced nuclear reactors move closer to commercial deployment, the management of spent nuclear fuel remains one of the most important technical, regulatory, economic, and societal challenges facing the nuclear energy sector. At the same time, growing electricity demand driven by electrification, artificial intelligence, data centers, and energy security concerns has renewed interest in nuclear energy as a reliable, carbon-free source of power.

This forum brings together leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy, national laboratories, academia, and industry to discuss the future of advanced reactors and innovative approaches to spent fuel management. Discussions will address federal priorities, advanced fuel-cycle strategies, storage, transportation, disposal challenges, public acceptance, risk communication, and emerging concepts for long-term spent-fuel management. The forum will also highlight novel initiatives that may help shape future solutions for spent nuclear fuel management, including innovative concepts that bridge the oil and gas industry with the nuclear energy sector. By exploring the potential repurpose of existing oil and gas infrastructure and leveraging subsurface engineering expertise, the forum aims to encourage, for the first time, a broader dialogue between these traditionally separate industries regarding collaborative approaches to the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.

The forum is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and identify research, policy, and technology opportunities that can support the safe, secure, and sustainable expansion of nuclear energy in the United States and globally.

Who Should Attend

This forum is intended for:

• Faculty members, researchers, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Professionals from the U.S. Department of Energy and other government agencies.
• National laboratory researchers and technical staff.
• Nuclear industry professionals involved in advanced reactors, fuel cycles, waste management, transportation, storage, and disposal.
• Utility companies, regulators, and energy policymakers.
• Professionals in the oil and gas industry, subsurface engineering, well integrity, geological storage, and carbon management sectors.
• Stakeholders interested in the future of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and sustainable spent-fuel management.
• Undergraduate and graduate students interested in nuclear energy and energy transition technologies.

Thanks to the support of the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition (ECET), this course is free for all attendees. However, individuals must register to receive details for the online course.