TLDR: The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has successfully conducted the inaugural workshop for its new AIxpertise joint project, focusing on the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to advance the nuclear energy sector. The project aims to create a collaborative platform for experts to leverage AI for enhanced safety, efficiency, and innovation in nuclear research and development.
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the first workshop for its groundbreaking AIxpertise joint project. Held from September 22–27, 2025, the workshop aimed to define the comprehensive scope of this ambitious initiative, which seeks to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across the nuclear energy sector. The project was initially announced on February 11, 2025, by NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
AIxpertise is designed to establish a structured, collaborative platform where experts can robustly and transparently apply AI for nuclear energy. The project is built upon three fundamental pillars: Data, Benchmarking, and Training. The ‘Data’ pillar focuses on acquiring and curating high-quality datasets essential for AI applications. ‘Benchmarking’ involves assessing and training AI algorithms, as well as fostering crucial connections between the nuclear and AI domains. The ‘Training’ pillar is dedicated to developing educational and training programs for nuclear energy professionals and students, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of leveraging AI effectively.
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, emphasized the critical need for such an initiative, stating, “Nuclear scientists and engineers need a space to explore the benefits and potential of AI, and to learn when, why, and how to apply AI algorithms effectively and safely. The AIxpertise project addresses this need by establishing an international platform – a community of practice – focused on learning by doing, with specific and structured deliverables.”
This project is motivated by the profound impact AI and machine learning (ML) applications are expected to have on nuclear research and development. Potential benefits include the enablement of autonomous plant operations, the creation of generative AI-based expert systems, advancements in nuclear reactor design, and revolutionary improvements in scientific modeling and simulation. These breakthroughs are anticipated through the seamless integration of experimental and operational data with physics-informed and self-learning models.
Beyond the recent workshop, the AIxpertise project has a clear roadmap. A global survey on AI needs and use cases in the nuclear sector was conducted in March 2025, followed by bilateral discussions in Q2 2025 to refine these use cases. The finalization of the AIxpertise joint project agreement is slated for Q4 2025, with the official launch anticipated in Q1 2026. The initial implementation phase, encompassing data analysis, AI model development, and testing, is scheduled from 2026 to 2028.
The collaborative platform will feature GitLab repositories for aggregated data, benchmark specifications, software, and AI models, alongside interactive discussion and issue boards to facilitate knowledge exchange among experts. The project invites a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including research institutions, educational organizations, regulatory bodies, technical support organizations (TSOs), industry representatives, and technology companies, to participate in its development and implementation.
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By fostering transparency, trust, and supporting regulatory readiness for AI applications, AIxpertise aims to ensure the nuclear sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements, driving progress towards safe and sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
