ML24330A229
| ML24330A229 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/13/2024 |
| From: | Holly Cruz NRC/NRR/DANU |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML24330A228 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML24330A229 (1) | |
Text
Safety Considerations in Use of Advanced and Innovative Technology in Research Reactors:
U.S. NRC Staff Perspectives Holly Cruz November 13, 2024 1
Overview
- Digital Upgrades to Existing Research Reactors
- Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence
NRC Scope of Responsibility Reactors Commercial Nuclear Power Plants Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities (NPUFs) including Research and Test reactors Materials Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities Medical, Academic and Industrial use of Radioactive Materials Material Transport Waste Transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and waste Decommissioning
Digital Upgrades Major Digital I&C System Replacement - Approved April 2019 Major Safety System Digital Upgrade - Approved December 2019 Digital Reactor Protection System - Renewed License February 2022 Hybrid analog/digital I&C - Approved June 2022 Numerous facilities have upgraded non-safety components Licensing Review Actions 50.59
NRC Perspectives Robust Programs (e.g., In-house Quality Assurance Programs)
Thorough and independent verification & validation review (plan, procedures, testing, and results).
Specific to Digital I&C applications: reliance on vendor information Licensees are responsible for acceptable and safe operation.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing technologies globally and has the potential to enhance decision-making processes for the nuclear industry by providing insights into vast amounts of data generated during the design and operation of nuclear facilities.
https://www.nrc.gov/ai.html#months
ACTIVITIES Wide range of AI meetings, conferences, and activities Industry wants to use AI Federal actions for advancing the use of AI in government operations AI Strategic Plan to prepare staff to review AI NUCLEAR INDUSTRY (EXTERNAL)
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES (INTERNAL)
Internal research into AI ranging from commercial applications to custom programming INTERNAL TO THE NRC NRC Evidence Building Priority Questions Advancing the Use of AI at the U.S. NRC The AI Landscape
AI Strategic Plan Vision and Outcomes Available at ML23132A305 Continue to keep pace with technological innovations to ensure the safe and secure use of AI in NRC-regulated activities Establish an AI framework and cultivate a skilled workforce to review and evaluate the use of AI in NRC-regulated activities
AI Project Plan Overview Available at ML23236A279 Project Plan for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2023-2027, Revision 0 Available at ML23236A279 Describes how the NRC will execute the five strategic goals from the AI Strategic Plan Provides estimated timelines for various task completions within the five Strategic Goals Communicates NRC priorities to internal and external stakeholders
Maintaining External Awareness Commenced interactions with other federal partners to explore AI evaluation approaches, lessons learned, and collaboration opportunities Similarly engaged with international counterparts interested in AI for nuclear Maintaining continual engagement on state-of-the-art research Enhancing and leveraging existing MOUs International Counterparts Leveraging MOUs New Data Science and AI Addendum Operating Experience and Data Analytics Other Federal Agencies Research Organizations and Academia
Moving Forward
- Project on AI safety and security test, evaluation, verification and validation (AI Project Plan Task 1.3, due Summer 2025)
- Final regulatory framework applicability assessment of artificial intelligence in nuclear applications (Fall 2024)
- Vigilance on AI: Monitoring AI's integration into the nuclear sector
- Proactive Engagement: Identifying challenges, gaps, and use cases in AI technologies
- Skill Development: Ensuring staff are equipped to regulate emerging technologies Future Activities
Conclusion Many use-cases for Advanced Technologies AI used in non-safety, and exploring other applications Expanded use of Digital I&C NRC continues to adapt to a changing landscape Modern, Risk-Informed Regulator Leveraging new regulatory techniques and approaches Preparing for Advanced Technologies by investing in Research
[The role of NPUFs] will likely expand to support the nations growing development of new nuclear technologies