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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
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
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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.
2021 ANS Winter Meeting and expo Plenary Session Speaker
Amir Vexler is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA—Orano’s operations in the United States providing commercial and federal customers with global expertise in nuclear materials management. Amir is also President of TN Americas, an Orano USA subsidiary.
Vexler oversees all five of Orano's business units in the U.S., including MCE for sales of uranium fuel, conversion and enrichment services; Orano Decommissioning Services for decommissioning nuclear energy facilities through its joint venture with NorthStar, named Accelerated Decommissioning Partners; TN Americas offering the full breadth of used nuclear fuel management (pool to pad, storage, transportation, and ISFSI management); Orano Med for the development of medical isotopes for targeted immunotherapy for fighting cancer; and Orano Federal Services offering the full complement of engineering and technology to solve some of the more complex nuclear material processing, conditioning and packaging for the U.S. Department of Energy.
With extensive international experience in the electric power industry, Amir’s career includes manufacturing, engineering services, commercial operations, and business development.
Prior to joining Orano in 2019, Amir’s leadership roles at Global Nuclear Fuel included chief executive officer, chairman of the board, chief operating officer, and vice president of Manufacturing/Supply Chain. Amir also held senior leadership positions with GE-Hitachi and the former GE Canada Nuclear Products.
Amir earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Wilfrid Laurier University.
Last modified November 18, 2021, 4:31pm EST
