The role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in enhancing safety in nuclear power plants

Abstract

With the goal of enhancing safety of nuclear power plants, this study explores the potential of artificial intelligence integration within the field. While security and safeguards are equally important and the synergy between safety, security and safeguards will be discussed, the focus of the thesis will remain on safety. The research aims at demonstrating the advantages that developments in the field of artificial intelligence may have in enhancing safety that traditional methods do not possess. While the application of artificial intelligence systems within nuclear field is still hypothetical, the potential of the applications will be assessed. Using mainly literature review and first-hand insights from experts at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (Ispra, Italy), the thesis is a critical examination of the potential of artificial intelligence methods such as pattern recognition, simulations, autonomous and optimisation functions in enhancing key nuclear safety components. These encompass