Top Headlines

Feeds

Innovation and AI Drive Extension of Existing Nuclear Plants

Updated Published Cached
  • L-R: Svenningsson, Martinez Sancho, Ponchon, Edwards and Singh (Image: World Nuclear Association)
    L-R: Svenningsson, Martinez Sancho, Ponchon, Edwards and Singh (Image: World Nuclear Association)
    Image: World Nuclear News
    L-R: Svenningsson, Martinez Sancho, Ponchon, Edwards and Singh (Image: World Nuclear Association) Source Full size

Extending existing reactors crucial to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 – Panelists at the World Nuclear Symposium said that extending operating lifetimes, improving efficiency and restarting shut‑down plants, not just building new capacity, are essential to meet the goal of tripling nuclear output by 2050, with moderator Johan Svenningsson emphasizing the role of innovation. [1]

France's Grand Carénage program accelerates component replacements using AI – Framatome CEO Grégoire Ponchon explained that close cooperation with EDF and the use of artificial‑intelligence tools have shortened major activities such as steam‑generator replacement, a key element of the Grand Carénage investment to lengthen reactor lifetimes. [1]

Westinghouse leverages AI and 3D‑printed fuel to speed innovation – CTO Lou Martínez Sancho noted that Westinghouse began producing fuel with 3D‑printed components in 2020 and now employs its generative AI system “Hive” to reduce development times, boost operational efficiency and support power uprates. [1]

AI adoption requires secure infrastructure and multidisciplinary oversight – Martínez Sancho stressed that effective AI use demands a secure data environment, full traceability, and collaboration among engineers, data scientists, mathematicians, legal teams and regulators, with final responsibility always resting on the engineer. [1]

Digital planning and virtual training enhance maintenance and decommissioning – AtkinsRéalis CEO Ian Edwards described how virtual planning of nuclear‑zone activities and virtual training of personnel consistently cut exposed time and improve overall efficiency on existing assets. [1]

Industry calls for collaborative design to make life extensions affordable – Holtec International President and CEO Kris Singh urged owners, designers, developers and consultants to unite on making plants longer‑lasting, more resilient, reliable and maintainable while pursuing life extensions and capacity upgrades. [1]

  • Grégoire Ponchon (Framatome CEO) – Highlighted that collaboration with EDF and AI tools have shortened major refurbishment tasks, aiding the Grand Carénage program.
  • Lou Martínez Sancho (Westinghouse CTO, acting president of eVinci microreactor) – Asserted AI is not a buzzword, describing daily use of machine‑learning and generative AI, and emphasizing engineer responsibility and data traceability.
  • Ian Edwards (AtkinsRéalis CEO) – Explained that digital planning and virtual training reduce exposure time and improve efficiency for maintenance, life‑extension and decommissioning work.
  • Kris Singh (Holtec International President & CEO) – Called for coordinated effort among owners, designers and consultants to make plant extensions affordable and improve resilience.
  • Johan Svenningsson (Uniper Sweden chairman & CEO, WNA vice‑chairman) – Stated that maximizing value from existing nuclear plants is vital to achieving the 2050 capacity‑tripling target.

Links