National Nuclear Security Conference

Brings nuclear cybersecurity professionals together to share experience implementing strong nuclear cybersecurity programs. Planned discussion covers the evolving nuclear cybersecurity landscape, recent program implementation inspections and lessons learned, and strategies for securing advanced reactor technologies. The event is closed to media.

Jointly hosted by the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute, NECX brings together utilities, advanced reactor developers, suppliers, regulators, policymakers, investors, engineers, researchers, project leaders, and innovators. Programming includes executive plenaries, technical sessions, and expert-led discussions focused on nuclear deployment, commercialization, investment, and industry growth. Focus areas include advanced nuclear deployment; manufacturing and AI innovation; regulatory affairs; project integration; supply-chain sourcing; workforce development; plant reliability and engineering; and emergency preparedness. The expo-hall Spotlight Stage features presentations on emerging technologies, practical insights, and solutions related to nuclear deployment, operations, innovation, and commercialization.

The conference theme is “Going Critical: Creating a Durable Nuclear Resurgence.” Plenary discussions address how technology, finance, and public policy can sustain nuclear energy momentum, and how public confidence, domestic supply chains, workforce development, investment, and state leadership can support deployment at scale. John Wagner, Laboratory Director at INL, is a featured speaker; the opening plenary also includes U.S. NRC Commissioners Douglas Weaver and Bradley Crowell. The technical program features expert-led presentations and peer-reviewed research on advanced reactors, fuel cycle and waste management, reactor physics, fusion, AI and machine learning, materials science, instrumentation and controls, criticality safety, and robotics. Named session topics include nuclear energy markets, financing and economics; hybrid and integrated energy systems; maritime and data center applications; nuclear safeguards; cybersecurity; molten salt reactor fuels and materials; and advanced/additive manufacturing. Panels address uranium mining remediation, environmental review, digital twins, advanced reactor fuel supply and fabrication, and nuclear deployment pathways.

The forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to examine energy security, economic competitiveness, clean energy deployment, regulatory modernization, market expansion, affordability, regulation, and nuclear deployment. Participants include professionals across government, utilities, finance, and advocacy. The program includes engagement with federal and state policymakers and the State of the Nuclear Energy Industry address by NEI President and CEO Maria Korsnick. The forum is open to media.

The forum brings together communicators and advocates across the nuclear industry to address how changes in the nuclear sector affect communications strategies. Program themes include communication best practices, emerging tools, public outreach, policy development, advocacy, media relations, public opinion research, opposition issues, and crisis communications. Expected participants include state representatives, federal and state regulators, NEI member executives, and experts in external communications across utilities, developers, suppliers, institutions, and partner organizations.

Examines investment in new nuclear projects, advanced reactors, existing nuclear assets, and the nuclear supply chain. Topics include project bankability, returns and revenue certainty, capital structures, construction risk, customer demand, public-private financing, commercial partnerships, policy frameworks, and project delivery. The summit is designed for finance and investment professionals, utilities, developers, technology providers, energy customers, policymakers, and advisers.

The conference focuses on translating congressional mandates in the National Defense Authorization Act into industry responses and aligning industry capacity and capability with Navy construction plans, status, and priorities. Its agenda covers U.S. naval and maritime policy; Navy priorities for SDF investments in the MIB/SIB; the state of the public shipyards; the Ford Class Aircraft Carrier Program; shipyard procurement needs; and AUKUS. A lunch presentation is titled “Global Risk Assessment.”

The conference brings together public power leaders, policymakers, vendors, and partners to exchange strategies and discover solutions for long-term utility success. Its program addresses how changing policy, technology, and lifestyles are reshaping the energy industry and communities, with multiple tracks and sessions. The Industry Innovations Expo focuses on solutions and tools for utility decision-makers, and the conference also includes a public-power community service component.

The conference covers radioactive-material management and nuclear-facility decommissioning. Its 12 tracks include crosscutting policies and programs; high- and low-level radioactive waste, spent fuel, and long-lived alpha/transuranic waste; nuclear power plant waste and on-site spent-fuel storage; packaging and transportation; decontamination and decommissioning; environmental remediation; communications and workforce; and advanced reactors and fusion. The program highlights the United Kingdom’s nuclear-sector developments, including waste management and decommissioning for legacy sites, new nuclear capacity, small modular reactors, and advanced nuclear deployment. The featured U.S. Department of Energy site, Savannah River Site, focuses on tank waste cleanup, nuclear materials processing, advanced manufacturing, AI, and applied research and development, as well as partnerships among government, contractors, regulators, stakeholders, and surrounding communities.