The UK, US and Canadian nuclear regulators have outlined principles for deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in the nuclear sector while maintaining adequate safety and security, described in a trilateral paper published today.
This collaboration between the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) represents a significant step towards enabling nuclear dutyholders to deploy AI technologies where it is safe and secure to do so.
This is the first time international regulators have collaborated to produce principles addressing AI in the nuclear sector.
AI could benefit nuclear safety, security and safeguards in a variety of ways. These include the analysis of large volumes of data to better manage risks and improve efficiency, and accomplishing tasks in hazardous areas to decrease the risk to workers and potentially reduce error.
AI could also be dynamically retrained to benefit from new information and experience so it can rapidly improve moving forwards.
This new trilateral paper, entitled ‘Considerations for developing artificial intelligence systems in nuclear applications’ (also available in .docx format), describes principles that all participants in the AI lifecycle should consider, including developers, licensees and regulators.
The paper covers topics such as:
- Common areas of focus for regulators when approaching AI;
- Understanding how to manage systems based on the consequences of AI failure and the level of AI autonomy;
- The importance of human and organisational factors in the use of AI;
- Integrating AI into existing nuclear systems;
- Managing the AI lifecycle from design to deployment; and
- Considerations for safety cases for AI in nuclear applications.
The paper reports how effective integration of AI into nuclear systems would need to explore the balance of trust between the human and machine, establishing an optimal level that realises the benefits of AI while maintaining appropriate oversight.
It also underlines the importance of international cooperation in navigating the complexities of AI regulation, through sharing knowledge and harmonising regulatory approaches.
Among its conclusions, the paper states: “The fast pace of AI development means it is unlikely that AI-specific consensus standards for the nuclear domain will be available to support regulatory activities within the near future.
“In the interim, existing nuclear-specific standards remain a starting point coupled with considering the unique attributes introduced by AI.
“While there are hurdles to consider to successfully deploy AI, there are also potentially significant benefits to using AI.
“If effectively managed, negative consequences could be avoided or mitigated for many applications.”
Shane Turner, ONR’s Technical Director, said: “This significant collaboration between CSNC, US NRC and ONR will support the wider international nuclear community to understand what is important when considering the application of AI.
“ONR is open to innovation and is committed to enabling the safe and secure deployment of AI and other innovative technologies within the nuclear sector.”
