Nuclear Fuel Innovation
Abstract: Come learn about the fuel innovation that is powering nuclear modernization! Current commercial nuclear plants are fueled with uranium dioxide ceramic pellets that are stacked inside long fuel rods made of a zirconium alloy cladding. However, the future is changing! Industry is developing safer and more economic fuel for use in the current fleet with technologies that include enhanced pellets, coatings, and new cladding materials. Furthermore, industry is working to break through the current 5 wt.% enrichment barrier to unleash the capabilities of nuclear power to transform the existing industry and power the next-generation of advanced reactors.
Bio: Ben is a Senior Project Manager in nuclear fuel programs for the Nuclear Energy Institute, where he manages industry wide programs to support the development of Accident Tolerant Fuels and the implementation of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). He also promotes a more risk‐appropriate and efficient used fuel regulatory framework. Ben has over 10 years of nuclear industry experience in leading projects covering international and domestic licensing, fuel performance, and advanced corrosion analyses.
Additionally, Ben is an executive MBA candidate at the NYU Stern School of Business. Ben already holds a M.S. in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering and a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign.
