Past, Present, and Future Applications of AI in the Nuclear Sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in nuclear sector activities, from operations and digital twins to safety analysis, security functions, and cybersecurity. This paper examines the evolution of AI technologies, their current applications in nuclear facilities, and the opportunities and challenges shaping their future use. Survey results from across the industry reveal growing interest in AI’s potential to reduce operational costs, minimize human error, and manage complex data streams, but also highlight concerns related to transparency, explainability, workforce readiness, and regulatory uncertainty.
The paper identifies key barriers to adoption—including data limitations, infrastructure needs, trustworthiness, and risks of malicious use—and compares them to the early challenges faced during the transition from analog to digital systems. As AI capabilities expand, nuclear regulators and competent authorities are beginning to develop the expertise and frameworks needed for risk‑informed oversight. The paper concludes that while AI adoption will vary across facilities, its safe and effective integration will require coordinated effort, robust governance, and sustained investment in people, processes, and technology.