A Regulatory Perspective on the Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Applications

Dennis, Matt; Hathaway Alfred Trey III; Barr, Jonathan; Betancourt, Luis

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121833 Copy

Description

Title

A Regulatory Perspective on the Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Applications

Author(s)

• Dennis, Matt
• Hathaway Alfred Trey III
• Barr, Jonathan
• Betancourt, Luis

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Data science
• Regulation
• Qualification and training
• Nuclear

Abstract

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent federal agency created by Congress to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. As part of its mission, the NRC licenses and regulates the operation of commercial nuclear facilities in the United States. In recent years, the NRC has noted a growing interest within the nuclear industry in researching and using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to meet future national energy needs. AI has the potential to transform the nuclear industry by providing new and vital insights into vast amounts of data generated during the design and operation of a nuclear facility. In addition, AI technologies offer new opportunities to enhance safety and security, improve operational performance, and potentially implement autonomous control and operation. The NRC is anticipating the nuclear industry deploying AI technologies that may require regulatory review and approval in the next few years. As such, the NRC is undertaking a multi-pronged approach to increase its readiness to evaluate a wide range of AI applications. First, the NRC has developed an AI Strategic Plan, covering fiscal years 2023-2027, to ensure continued staff readiness to review and evaluate future AI applications effectively and efficiently. Secondly, the NRC is leveraging its Future Focused Research (FFR) program for early-stage regulatory research, which may yield new frameworks, enhance regulatory effectiveness, or prepare the agency for future challenges. Projects in the FFR program identify AI research areas that build the foundation for regulatory readiness and investigate novel approaches, such as AI, that could enhance regulatory processes. Lastly, the NRC is undertaking research to assess the applicability of the existing regulatory framework in considering the unique aspects of AI applications (e.g., explainability, trustworthiness, bias, robustness, ethics, security, risks, etc.) and investigating where gaps may exist which could require updating existing or developing new regulations, guidance, or procedures to review and evaluate AI uses in NRC-regulated activities. Further research activities include collaboration with international counterparts on considering overarching principles for reviewing the use of AI technologies in nuclear activities based on existing knowledge. This paper presents the NRC staff’s approach to continue to keep pace with technological innovations such as AI and further the agency's commitment to being a transparent, modern, risk-informed regulator.

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121833

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