Input Stories

The nuclear industry is integrating new technologies to improve operations, efficiency and resilience, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
 
The idea: Technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality have helped a range of manufacturers improve their processes and strengthen their bottom line. As part of the 2022 Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation, which was recently held in London, nuclear power companies explored opportunities to apply new technologies to their work.

The tech: “Participants presented novel technical solutions to better address the needs of aging plants, such as through designing altered reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools to assist in planning and maintenance of nuclear plants.”

• “Many organizations are also exploring ways to make the best use of machine learning applications and implementing successful programmes to empower and encourage employees to pursue innovative solutions.”
• “Several representatives of nuclear power programmes also highlighted using digitally enabled workflows as a successful way to speed up clear and reliable communications between various stakeholders.”

What’s next: Another meeting held by the IAEA in 2023 will focus on supporting the operation of nuclear power plants. The IAEA will also work to develop future events focused on innovation that will address topics like artificial intelligence, nuclear hydrogen production and nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems.

The NAM’s view: The NAM has long been a proponent of nuclear development, as we wrote recently. “The reality is that to meet our growing electricity needs and climate goals, nuclear-generated power must be part of the solution,” said NAM Director of Energy and Resources Policy Chris Morris. Read the whole thing for his policy proposals.