Spending Time on Spent Nuclear Fuel with the Department of Energy

Paul is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition. He manages the U.S. Department of Energy’s consent-based siting initiative and directs research to establish an integrated system for the storage, transportation, and disposal of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

Prior to joining the Office of Nuclear Energy, Paul served as the chief technology officer and senior vice president for ORANO Federal Services from 2007 to 2023. Throughout his tenure, Paul actively engaged with the Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee, focusing on infrastructure enhancements, and fostering a vision for the High Burnup Demonstration Project at Dominion. He also collaborated closely with both domestic and international stakeholders, including US utilities, international utilities, and local host communities, to facilitate the development and siting of new nuclear facilities.

Paul's professional journey began with the UK Ministry of Defense, where he honed his expertise in the refit, commissioning, and design of propulsion systems and reactors for nuclear submarines. Paul graduated from Liverpool University, where he earned an honors degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later joined the United Kingdom Atomic Energy/AEA Technology, contributing to the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of reprocessing plants, advanced reactors, advanced fuels, and associated waste treatment facilities.

In 1996, Paul crossed the Atlantic to the United States, playing a crucial role in transferring nuclear technology from the UK. His dedication led him to work at various Environmental Management sites across the country, contributing to the United States' efforts in nuclear technology development and environmental stewardship.

Paul's profound commitment to advancing nuclear energy, coupled with his extensive experience and leadership, make him an invaluable asset to the Office of Nuclear Energy. His vision, strategic thinking, and dedication continue to shape the industry, fostering a future of safe, sustainable, and innovative nuclear energy solutions.

Steve Nesbit founded LMNT Consulting in 2019 following a distinguished career with Duke Energy Corporation. LMNT Consulting supports clients on matters related to the nuclear fuel cycle, advanced nuclear energy systems, and nuclear nonproliferation.

Steve’s career at Duke Energy began in 1982 performing safety analyses in support of nuclear power plants. Between 1996 and 2005, he led Duke Energy’s efforts related to the use of mixed oxide (MOX) fuel in its nuclear power reactors as a part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) project to dispose of surplus plutonium from nuclear weapons. He also managed used nuclear fuel activities for Duke Energy. For nine years prior to retirement from Duke Energy, he was responsible for developing the company’s policy positions related to nuclear power, and interacting with industry and government groups on used fuel management and related issues. In addition to nuclear utility activities, during his career Steve worked on several DOE projects including the New Production Reactor Project, the Yucca Mountain Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Project, and the Centralized Interim Storage Facility Project. He supported the U.S. Department of State on outreach to countries with developing nuclear power programs. He also served on the International Panel of Experts for the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 Nuclear Security Index reports. He testified on spent fuel policy issues to the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2017 and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in 2019.

Steve received Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in nuclear engineering from the University of Virginia. He is a registered professional engineer in North Carolina. He is a past adjunct faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he taught nuclear engineering. He was President of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) between June 2021 and June 2022. Some of his past roles with ANS include Chair of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Technical Group, Chair of the Public Policy Committee, member of the ANS Board of Directors, and Chair of the Piedmont Carolinas ANS local section. He was a co-author of the August 2023 ANS Report “Recommendations on Postclosure Aspects of Generic Standards for the Permanent Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level and Transuranic Radioactive Wastes in the United States.” Steve lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Shelley, and he enjoys skiing and hiking in his spare time.

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