Unlocking the future: how digital transformation can revolutionise the nuclear sector

The nuclear sector, like many industries, is undergoing a significant digital transformation, driven by the need for increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability. 

As the global push toward net-zero emissions intensifies, nuclear energy is seen as a key player in decarbonizing the energy landscape. Digital technologies offer the nuclear industry a unique opportunity to optimise operations, reduce costs, and ensure long-term safety. 

However, this transformation also brings challenges, including cybersecurity risks, regulatory complexities, and the integration of legacy systems. 

Understanding digital transformation

Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into every aspect of a business or industry.
It leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins to optimise processes, increase efficiency, and improve decision-making.
In essence, it enables organisations to operate more flexibly, cost-effectively, and securely by automating tasks, gaining real-time insights, and facilitating better collaboration.

In the energy sector, including nuclear, digital transformation can mean the implementation of predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, AI-driven simulations, and digital control systems. These innovations are not just tools to improve day-to-day operations but are part of a broader shift toward creating a more resilient, efficient, and decarbonized energy system.

The role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero goals

Nuclear energy is a critical pillar in achieving the global ambition of net-zero emissions by 2050. With its ability to generate large amounts of low-carbon electricity consistently, nuclear power complements intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, helping to stabilise energy grids.

Nuclear power already contributes significantly to reducing global carbon emissions. With 413 gigawatts (GW) of capacity operating across 32 countries, nuclear energy avoids 1.5 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO2 emissions annually and displaces around 180 billion cubic meters of natural gas usage. As the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity after hydropower, nuclear power is indispensable for countries looking to achieve their climate targets.

However, the journey to net zero demands even more from the nuclear sector. The electrification of other sectors—such as transport, heating, and heavy industry—will dramatically increase electricity demand. By 2050, electricity is expected to account for over 50% of final energy consumption, up from 20% today. To meet this rising demand, while keeping emissions in check, countries will need to invest in both large-scale nuclear plants and newer technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The benefits of digital transformation for nuclear plants and the industry

For the nuclear industry, digital transformation offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance its operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Here’s how:

1- Enhanced operational efficiency: The complexity of managing a nuclear power plant can be streamlined significantly with the application of digital technologies. For example, predictive maintenance uses real-time sensor data to predict when components are likely to fail, allowing operators to carry out preventive repairs, thus avoiding unplanned shutdowns and improving plant availability. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—also allow operators to simulate plant operations, test various scenarios, and optimise performance without the risks and costs of physical experimentation.
These technologies are especially beneficial for existing plants, many of which are ageing and need to maximise their remaining operational life. By applying AI and machine learning, operators can identify inefficiencies and make data-driven decisions to improve fuel use, extend component life, and lower overall operating costs.

2- Safety enhancements: Safety is paramount in the nuclear sector, and digital transformation can significantly enhance it. Real-time monitoring systems, powered by advanced sensors and data analytics, provide continuous feedback on plant conditions, enabling swift responses to potential issues. Digital technologies also offer enhanced training opportunities for staff, using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to simulate operational scenarios and emergencies in a risk-free environment. Such training can improve human performance and reduce the likelihood of operator error.
Furthermore, cybersecurity becomes a key concern as more systems become interconnected. By adopting robust cybersecurity measures, nuclear operators can protect their digital infrastructure from external threats, ensuring the safe operation of their facilities.

3- Regulatory and compliance support: The nuclear industry operates within a highly regulated framework, and digital tools can streamline compliance processes. Automated reporting, data collection, and auditing systems reduce the risk of human error, ensuring that plants meet regulatory requirements efficiently. Moreover, digital platforms can enhance communication between operators and regulators, providing a transparent and auditable trail of information that eases regulatory oversight.

4- Decarbonization and sustainability: Digital transformation can accelerate the nuclear industry’s contribution to decarbonization goals. AI and data analytics can optimise fuel usage and reduce waste, while digital twins can be used to simulate and optimise plant design and operation, resulting in more efficient and environmentally friendly processes. Furthermore, nuclear power plays a critical role in producing clean hydrogen—a key component in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel production and transportation. Digital technologies facilitate the integration of nuclear energy with hydrogen production, making the process more efficient and scalable.

Opportunities for the nuclear sector through digitalization

1- Operational optimization: Digital tools such as AI and advanced analytics offer the nuclear industry the opportunity to optimise every aspect of plant operations, from design and construction to maintenance and decommissioning. For instance, AI-powered predictive maintenance can reduce unplanned downtime by up to 35%, saving millions in asset failure prevention and providing a secure energy supply.

The use of digital twins can also streamline the design and construction phases of new nuclear plants, reducing startup time and minimising risk. By simulating various construction scenarios and workflows, digital twins can help optimise timelines and costs, which is critical for a sector where projects often face significant delays.

2- Extended plant lifetimes: Many nuclear plants around the world are nearing the end of their originally planned operational lifetimes. Digital transformation allows operators to extend these lifetimes by enabling more efficient monitoring and maintenance of critical components. By using predictive analytics and real-time data, operators can better understand the condition of ageing infrastructure and plan repairs or replacements more effectively, thus ensuring the continued safe operation of the plant.

3- Support for new technologies: The rise of SMRs represents a significant opportunity for the nuclear industry. These advanced reactors, often less complex and more flexible than traditional reactors, are incorporating cutting-edge digital technologies in their design and operation. For example, digital control systems and remote monitoring capabilities are integral to SMRs, often designed for deployment in remote locations with minimal on-site staff.
As SMRs become a more significant part of the nuclear landscape, digital transformation will be key to their success. Digital technologies can help streamline regulatory processes, optimise plant performance, and enhance safety, making SMRs a viable option for countries looking to expand their low-carbon energy mix.

4- Workforce development: The nuclear industry’s digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to address the sector’s workforce challenges. With an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled labour, digital tools like AR and VR can be used to train the next generation of nuclear professionals. These technologies allow workers to gain hands-on experience in a virtual environment, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming physical training programs.

Challenges of digital transformation in the nuclear sector

1- Cybersecurity risks: As nuclear facilities become more reliant on digital systems, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The potential consequences of a successful cyberattack on a nuclear facility are catastrophic, making cybersecurity a top priority for the sector. Robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, firewalls, and continuous monitoring, must be implemented to protect these systems. Furthermore, the industry needs to develop a regulatory framework that addresses the unique cybersecurity risks associated with digital transformation.

2- Regulatory complexity: The integration of digital technologies adds layers of complexity to the nuclear regulatory environment. Regulators must have the expertise to evaluate and certify new digital systems, balancing innovation with safety. However, the lack of industry-wide standards for digital technology adoption can make this process more difficult. It will be essential for the nuclear industry to work with regulatory bodies to develop clear guidelines and standards for the safe and secure use of digital technologies.

3- Cultural resistance and workforce adaptation: Like any major transformation, the digitalization of the nuclear industry will face resistance from within. Many workers may be hesitant to adopt new technologies, particularly those that automate tasks traditionally performed by humans. Additionally, the industry will need to invest in upskilling its workforce, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to operate and maintain advanced digital systems.

4- Legacy system integration: Many existing nuclear plants still operate on legacy systems that were not designed to integrate with modern digital technologies. Upgrading these systems to accommodate digital tools can be costly and time-consuming, and operators must ensure that these upgrades do not disrupt plant operations or compromise safety.

Digital transformation offers the nuclear industry unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and its contribution to global decarbonization efforts.

While some challenges remain—particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, regulatory complexity, and workforce adaptation—with the right partners, companies can unlock the full potential of digital transformation, ensuring their place in a sustainable, net-zero energy future.