Assessment Methodology for Prioritizing Regulatory Readiness for Advanced Technologies at Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation presented at:
International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety
June 29 – July 3, 2026

Prepared by:
S. J. Baskey and N. Moss
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

As the pace and promise of technological innovation gets more audacious, nuclear regulators, observing shifting landscapes, can benefit from proactively assessing readiness to evaluate and licence advanced technologies. Considering the historical adaptability of performance-based nuclear regulation, this paper presents a methodology developed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to prioritize effort. Based on expert judgement and Artificial Intelligence (AI) insights, 30 innovative technologies were characterized and ranked across four parameters – nuclear relevance, commercial viability, stakeholder acceptance, and regulatory readiness – to derive a composite readiness score using a custom Fibonacci-weighted scoring and scaling methodology.

Results identified generative-AI and remote operations of nuclear facilities as high-priority emerging technologies/applications with low regulatory readiness – indicating a need for targeted regulatory guidance and strategic prioritization. Similarly, technologies with strong implementation potential – imminent technologies perceived as readily accommodated by the CNSC’s flexible performance-based regulatory framework – were identified as benefiting from targeted validation to confirm adequacy of existing requirements and uncover unanticipated barriers and risks. It is the goal of this study to support proactive and scalable assessments to enhance readiness, provide clarity, facilitate innovation, and ensure safety when it comes to incorporating or licensing advanced technologies in nuclear facilities.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.