Atoms and Algorithms: A View from the Regulator

The nuclear energy sector generates vast amounts of data and has been slow to adopt new technologies, traditionally relying on proven methods rather than pushing for disruptive innovation. On the other hand, AI technologies—like machine learning, large language models, and computer vision—can potentially provide significant economic and technical advantages for nuclear energy. However, their novel, black-box nature poses challenges in a highly regulated industry that demands safety, reliability, and security. To address these challenges, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released a groundbreaking document in September 2024: Considerations for Developing AI Systems in Nuclear Applications. While not regulatory guidance, it outlines key principles that all participants in the AI lifecycle should consider in the development and deployment of AI applications in the nuclear sector. The Stimson Center and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) are pleased to co-host this special webinar, bringing together the authors of the trilateral document to discuss how AI is impacting the nuclear sector and its governance. Gretchen Stewart, Chief Data Scientist at Intel, will open the discussion, providing the backstory to the evolution of AI, its applications across sectors and its transformative potential.