Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Power: Enabling Innovation Within Regulatory Guardrails

Victor Hall – NRC

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform commercial nuclear power, from design and licensing to operations, inspection, and maintenance. Consistent with its Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan (2024–2027), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is committed to enabling the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI while continuing to fulfill its mission to protect public health and safety and the common defense and security.

In high-consequence systems, safety must be designed in. This presentation highlights the NRC’s risk-informed, performance-based approach to AI and the importance of early engagement, technical excellence, and active participation in the broader domestic and international AI community. By collaborating with developers, utilities, researchers, and standards organizations, the NRC seeks to promote responsible innovation grounded in transparency, validation, human oversight, cybersecurity, and continuous monitoring.

Clear regulatory guardrails do not have to constrain progress. They create the confidence necessary for transformative, sustained innovation in commercial nuclear energy.