The NEA Working Group on New Technologies convened a workshop on March 25–26, focusing on how artificial intelligence can be applied to regulatory oversight and internal operations within nuclear authorities.

The discussions centred on practical deployment rather than theory, with participants examining how existing tools can fit into regulatory workflows.

The event brought together nuclear regulators and AI specialists from 15 NEA member countries, alongside representatives from international organisations. Attendees shared case studies showcasing AI systems already in use or under development across regulatory bodies.

Examples presented during the sessions included generating summaries and presentations using AI, improving simulation capabilities, and extracting relevant information from large volumes of regulatory documents.

These demonstrations led to detailed exchanges on implementation challenges, lessons learned, and ways to identify high-value applications.

Key takeaways on AI deployment in nuclear regulation

Participants highlighted several key takeaways. There is a clear need to establish structured AI frameworks within regulatory bodies, supported by defined procedures and guidance. 

Well-scoped projects were seen to perform more effectively, while clear success criteria for AI tools and initiatives were considered essential.

On-premise models were identified as a possible way to address concerns related to cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and data protection. At the same time, human expertise remains central to decision-making and to interpreting AI-generated outputs.

The workshop encouraged open comparison of national approaches, with regulators sharing implementation experiences and identifying common concerns. The exchanges also pointed to areas where closer international cooperation could help address shared challenges.

Global collaboration and next steps for regulators

Mr. Eetu Ahonen, Vice-Chair of the WGNT, led the discussions and emphasised the value of collaboration across jurisdictions.

“This workshop demonstrated the value in international collaboration. Every regulator is exploring AI from a different angle, but the experiences we have with implementation of AI tools, data security challenges, and ensuring human oversight are remarkably similar. By sharing openly and learning from each other, we are strengthening our ability to use AI responsibly and efficiently to improve nuclear safety.”

The WGNT, which organised the event, serves as a platform for regulators and technical support organisations to exchange insights on overseeing emerging technologies throughout their lifecycle. Its work supports the development of shared understanding and helps identify pathways toward aligned regulatory positions.

The NEA plans to publish a dedicated brochure summarising the workshop’s findings, including key challenges, lessons learned, and recommended practices for integrating AI into regulatory processes.