ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
Meeting Spotlight
Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Jan 2025
Jul 2024
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
February 2025
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
A series of firsts delivers new Plant Vogtle units
Southern Nuclear was first when no one wanted to be.
The nuclear subsidiary of the century-old utility Southern Company, based in Atlanta, Ga., joined a pack of nuclear companies in the early 2000s—during what was then dubbed a “nuclear renaissance”—bullish on plans for new large nuclear facilities and adding thousands of new carbon-free megawatts to the grid.
In 2008, Southern Nuclear applied for a combined construction and operating license (COL), positioning the company to receive the first such license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2012. Also in 2008, Southern became the first U.S. company to sign an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for a Generation III+ reactor. Southern chose Westinghouse’s AP1000 pressurized water reactor, which was certified by the NRC in December 2011.
Fast forward a dozen years—which saw dozens of setbacks and hundreds of successes—and Southern Nuclear and its stakeholders celebrated the completion of Vogtle Units 3 and 4: the first new commercial nuclear power construction project completed in the U.S. in more than 30 years.
2024 ANS Winter Conference and Expo
Nancy J. Balkus, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Infrastructure, Energy and Environment, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. She provides executive leadership on all matters pertaining to formulation, review and execution of plans, policies, programs and budgets for Air Force built and natural infrastructure, environmental, and installation energy. These include facility management, military construction, utilities privatization, energy security, contingency energy, and environmental compliance and restoration.
Ms. Balkus graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. She has served in a variety of positions at the squadron, base, forward operating agency, major command and headquarters level in the contiguous United States and overseas. She is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. Her joint experience includes the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Assistant Deputy Director for Strategic Stability where she formulated Joint Staff positions and recommendations regarding strategic deterrence, nuclear policy, combating weapons of mass destruction and international arms control agreements. As the Assistant Deputy Director for Global Security Affairs/Partnership Strategy, she provided leadership for building national security partnerships and partner capacity for U.S. missions in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya; reviewed and oversaw all Department of Defense security cooperation plans, authorities and budgets; directed Joint Staff engagement for all international security assistance programs; and provided oversight for the Chairman’s mission to the United Nations in New York.
Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Balkus served as the Deputy Director for Civil Engineers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, VA. As a civil engineer she has served as the Programs Division Deputy Chief in the Office of the Civil Engineer at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Deputy Base Civil Engineer at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Deputy Chief of Readiness at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Project Management Branch Chief for the Aviano 2000 Program Management Office, and multiple positions at the Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment, Brooks AFB, Texas.
Last modified October 29, 2024, 9:49am EDT
