The International workshop on disruptive technologies for nuclear safety applications is one of the most significant digital innovation events of the year. This two-day workshop was held on 16-17 May 2023 in Jeju, Korea, and focused on digital technologies (3D printing, the Internet of Things, advanced robotics, augmented reality), new materials and processes (data-driven production, artificial intelligence, learning algorithms) making their way into nuclear energy sector. The workshop brought together distinguished speakers from academia, research organisations, industry, and regulatory bodies to engage in forward-thinking discussions on the potential opportunities and challenges posed by the adoption of the most disruptive digital innovations in the nuclear sector. It provided an opportunity to identify prospects for international co-operation in this area.

Co-organised by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Korean Nuclear Society (KNS), this event was co-located with the bi-annual conference of the Korean Nuclear Society, which was held on 17-18 May 2023, and offered additional opportunities to network and learn about the latest developments in the field.

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

10:00–10:45 Opening remarks

Chair: Véronique Rouyer, Head of Division of Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulation, NEA 

• Tae Seog Oh, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT
• William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General
• Won-Pil Baek, KNS President
• Han Gyu Joo, KAERI President

Special remarks on regulating innovation: Rumina Velshi, President, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)

10:45-11:00 Break

Day one: Enhancing safety with digital applications

11:00–13:00 Session 1: Advanced modelling and simulation tools

Chair: Hyun Sun Park, Professor, Seoul National University

• Presentations:
  • Multi-scale and multi-physics simulation for nuclear reactor safety by Han-Young Yoon (KAERI)
  • Development of modelling capabilities for gas-cooled reactors at Canadian nuclear laboratories by Krishna Podila (Canadian Nuclear Laboratories)
  • The present and future of nuclear power plant simulators by Michael Chatlani (L3Harris)
  • Regulatory case and comments by Cinthya Roman (US Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
• Q&A session

13:00–14:00 Lunch

14:00–14:20 Keynote speech: Applications of disruptive technologies for nuclear safety innovations

• Ki-Yong Choi, Division Director, KAERI
  

14:20–17:00 Session 2: Data-driven technologies

Chair: Joon-Eon Yang, KAERI

• Ppresentations:
  • Role of a reduced order model (ROM) in probabilistic risk assessment by Jinkyun Park (KAERI)
  • Leveraging data for safety and performance in nuclear operations by Guillaume Horn (Framatome)
  • Transforming the steel industry with ML/AL: real-world application and use cases by Jong-Seok Lee (SKKU)
  • AI technologies for the safety of nuclear power plants in a regulatory perspective by Ku-Young Chung (KINS)
  • Regulatory comments on cybersecurity by Justin Sigetich (CNSC)
• Q&A session

17:30–20:00 Reception

Wednesday, 17 May 2023

Day two: Enhancing safety with innovations on hard components

8:30–8:50 Keynote speech: NI2050 Update and the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation

• Philippe Guiberteau, Special Advisor for Technology Policy Activities, NEA

8:50–10:30 Session 3: Advanced manufacturing

Chair: Antonio Vaya Soler, Nuclear Analyst, NEA

• Presentations:
  • Additive manufacturing technology for nuclear application by Hyun-Gil Kim (KAERI)
  • Advanced and modular manufacturing for SMR pressure vessels considering safety and economy by Shihong Kim (Doosan Enerbility)
  • Relevant results of NUCOBAM H2020 project on mechanical characterisation of 316L fabricated by LPBF for nuclear components by Marta Serrano (EU NUCOBAM)
  • Regulatory case and comments by Justin Sigetich (CNSC)
• Q&A session

10:30–10:40 Break

10:40–12:20 Session 4: Smart devices and robotics

Chair: Kasia Izdebska, Senior Manager, Enterprise Innovation, Ontario Power Generation

• Presentations:
  • Highly reliable IoT wireless communication for smart power plant by Ho-Yong Kang (ETRI)
  • Application of operations of emergency robots for nuclear safety by Dongseok Ryu (KAERI)
  • On the path to autonomous robotic use in nuclear power plants by Andrew Mantey (EPRI)
  • Regulatory case and comments by Uwe Stoll (GRS)
• Q&A session

12:20–13:00 Closing session: Wrap-up and future activities

Chair: William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General

• Session summary by each session chair
• Discussion on future meetings