The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nuclear operations has garnered significant attention and collaboration globally, particularly highlighted by the recent in-person RegLab Deep Dive Workshop held by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Toronto, Canada, from October 23-24, 2025. This workshop, part of the International RegLab Joint Project, brought together approximately 30 participants from diverse backgrounds—including regulators, licensees, vendors, and technologists—from seven countries: Canada, France, Japan, Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The primary goal of this workshop was to explore the potential of AI in enhancing nuclear operations, particularly in monitoring and fault detection. By leveraging AI, participants discussed a hypothetical use case that aimed to utilize AI for real-time monitoring of data from extensive sensor networks. This focus on AI technologies underscores a growing recognition that innovative approaches can substantially improve safety and operational efficiency in the nuclear sector.
AI in Nuclear Operations
The central premise of the workshop revolved around using AI to identify inconsistencies in system behaviors that deviate from expected operational norms. The ability to detect such anomalies quickly can enable early fault detection, helping operators to manage dynamic plant risks accurately. Moreover, AI can facilitate risk-informed maintenance schedules and justify operational decisions that optimize performance closer to the defined limits. This proactive approach not only holds the promise of improving safety outcomes but also enhances operational reliability.
Workshop Goals and Outcomes
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants engaged in collaborative discussions aimed at achieving several salient objectives:
Consensus on Context: Establishing a shared understanding of the innovative context relevant to AI applications within the nuclear sector was imperative. Achieving consensus helps ensure alignment among stakeholders, creating a unified direction as AI technologies evolve.
Identifying Challenges and Opportunities: Drawing upon the diverse experiences of participants, the workshop sought to surface barriers to technology adoption while simultaneously recognizing enablers. Understanding these elements is crucial for developing robust strategies that facilitate AI adoption in nuclear operations.
Overcoming Barriers: Discussions also concentrated on how to address these identified blockers. By fostering a collaborative environment among various stakeholders, the workshop aimed to devise actionable recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
- Future Collaboration: The discussions about the next steps in regulatory support for AI deployment highlighted the necessity for ongoing dialogue among regulators and industry players, ensuring safety and efficacy as AI technologies advance.
Safety Assurance Frameworks
A significant aspect of the workshop was the examination of safety assurance frameworks tailored to incorporate machine learning. As AI systems often function as black boxes—where the decision-making process is not always transparent—developing a robust assurance framework becomes vital. Participants debated the necessity for adaptable assurances that can validate the safety and reliability of AI applications in nuclear contexts.
This discussion reflects larger themes in technology development, where regulators must balance innovation with safety oversight. The integration of machine learning in operational processes could lead to unpredictable outcomes, escalating the importance of creating regulatory frameworks that not only protect human lives and the environment but also encourage technological innovation.
Deeper Dives into International Cooperation
The RegLab Deep Dive Workshop was positioned within the broader context of the DIET (Disruptive Innovative and Emerging Technologies) Conference, which also took place in Toronto just days prior. This conference emphasized the role of international cooperation in advancing nuclear safety and the integration of disruptive technologies.
The collaboration across regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and industry aligns with a growing recognition that nuclear safety transcends national borders, necessitating a unified approach to encourage innovation while maintaining stringent safety standards. As the NEA, IAEA, and other organizations strive to create a landscape where innovative technologies can be deployed safely, the conversations happening at these workshops are crucial in shaping the future of nuclear energy.
Looking Ahead: RegLab2
Participants left the RegLab1 workshop with anticipation for the next phase of this initiative, aptly titled RegLab2, which is scheduled to occur in Jeju-do, Korea, in May 2026. This upcoming workshop is expected to tackle new topics regarding the evolving role of AI in nuclear operations, providing another platform for collaboration and exploration of regulatory frameworks.
The finalization of the RegLab1 report promises to provide insights and recommendations that will serve as a foundational document for future endeavors in AI and nuclear operations. The transition into RegLab2 will also emphasize the lessons learned from the first workshop, taking into account the feedback and insights gathered during these discussions.
Conclusion
In summary, the NEA’s RegLab Deep Dive Workshop marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between regulators, operators, and technology providers in the nuclear sector. AI’s potential to transform operational processes, improve safety, and effectively manage risks is becoming increasingly recognized, yet this transformative journey necessitates careful consideration of regulatory, safety, and operational factors.
Through international cooperation and a commitment to early-stage collaboration, stakeholders are better positioned to explore the nuances of deploying AI technologies in nuclear operations. The insights and discussions emerging from such forums will undoubtedly contribute to a safer, more efficient, and innovative future for nuclear energy globally. The endeavors of the NEA, IAEA, EPRI, and various participating nations exemplify a collective ambition to harness the capabilities of advanced technologies, ultimately enhancing the nuclear industry and contributing to global safety objectives.
