NEA Workshop Highlights Global Push for On‑Premise AI to Boost Nuclear Regulatory Safety

A recent workshop by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) advanced international efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into nuclear regulatory safety. Discussions focused on "on-premise" AI models to enhance security and data control.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) recently hosted a workshop exploring artificial intelligence (AI) applications within nuclear regulatory bodies. This event gathered nuclear regulators and AI experts from 15 NEA member countries and international organizations. The workshop aimed to develop a collective understanding of AI's role in regulatory oversight and internal processes.

Participants discussed current AI tools, including applications for summarizing documents, enhancing simulations, and retrieving information from regulatory records. Mr. Eetu Ahonen, Vice-Chair for the NEA's Working Group on New Technologies, noted the event's emphasis on international collaboration. He stated that regulators share similar experiences in AI tool implementation, data security challenges, and the need for robust human oversight. This open sharing, Ahonen explained, strengthens the responsible and efficient use of AI for nuclear safety.

A key focus emerged around "on-premise" AI models. These systems, where software and data reside on an organization's own local servers rather than external cloud services, offer distinct advantages. Workshop attendees identified that on-premise AI could directly address critical concerns related to cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and data protection.

The workshop underscored a global push to leverage AI for improving nuclear safety while maintaining strict control over sensitive information. Establishing clear AI frameworks, focusing on well-scoped projects, and defining success criteria remain priorities. Human expertise continues as an essential element for decision-making and effectively utilizing AI outputs. The NEA plans to publish a brochure detailing key findings, challenges, and best practices for regulatory AI use. This initiative marks a continuing commitment to safely integrating advanced technology into critical infrastructure oversight.