Arthur McMiler
Microsoft will provide its Azure cloud and artificial intelligence technologies for processing applications for nuclear permits and licenses under a partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory.
Automated Document Generation
Microsoft’s offering will be used to automate the generation of engineering and safety analysis documentation required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy for nuclear licensing, INL said Wednesday. Microsoft’s technology will work to ingest and compile nuclear engineering and safety data from multiple sources to produce the mandatory reports, accelerating a process that would otherwise be time-consuming and expensive.
The tool can be applied to various types of nuclear energy licensing, such as the construction and upgrading of light water reactors. It is useful especially for licensing advanced reactors with designs, materials, fuels and coolants more varied than the components of conventional reactors.
Executive Remarks on Microsoft-INL Partnership
Heidi Kobylski, Microsoft vice president for federal civilian agencies, conveyed pride in the company’s INL collaboration, citing the partnership’s support on the acceleration of approval for nuclear reactors needed to meet rising energy demands.
“Artificial intelligence technologies can enable a new frontier of innovation and advancement by automating routine processes, accelerating development and freeing scientists and researchers to focus on the real complex challenges affecting our society,” the company executive stressed.
Chris Ritter, INL division director of scientific computing and AI, shared Kobylski’s optimism on AI technology contributing to the advancement of nuclear energy use.
“INL looks forward to early research to evaluate the applicability of generative AI in the nuclear licensing space,” the lab official added.
