DIGITAL twins offer transformative safety and efficiency improvements in nuclear energy by creating virtual representations of nuclear facilities. These detailed, real-time simulations integrate data from all aspects of a plant’s lifecycle, helping teams design, construct, operate, and maintain plants with greater confidence and oversight.
In construction, digital twins provide precise visualizations of planned facilities, enabling teams to simulate and optimize layouts, detect potential hazards, and streamline project schedules. This results in more efficient, predictable builds, reducing project delays and preventing on-site risks associated with errors or reworks.
Bentley Systems, for example, uses digital twin solutions to enhance nuclear project planning by linking engineering designs with physical construction, allowing a synchronized, transparent view for engineers and managers. This reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes, as real-time data and analytics from digital twins can pinpoint potential safety issues before they arise.
Operationally, digital twins provide ongoing monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. In active nuclear facilities, this technology supports continuous assessment of equipment health, preempting failures and avoiding costly shutdowns. By simulating various operational scenarios, plant operators can also predict the outcomes of specific actions in a controlled environment, minimizing the risks of unplanned incidents.
Moreover, digital twins play a role in safety compliance by supporting stringent regulatory standards in the nuclear sector. Systems like Bentley’s allow for more rigorous tracking and documentation, essential for compliance and post-event analysis. As a result, digital twins reduce both operational and regulatory risks, making nuclear energy production more reliable and safe.
AI and nuclear safety
AI and machine learning are also key to advancing nuclear safety, with AI-based systems enhancing the monitoring of plant performance, detecting anomalies faster, and managing preventive maintenance schedules. This technology can identify potential issues before they become risks, improving the longevity and safety of reactor operations.
Government-backed policies, like the U.S. ADVANCE Act, are accelerating these advancements by streamlining licensing and incentivizing new reactor builds, focusing on safety upgrades and environmental responsibility in transitioning former coal sites to nuclear plants.
By supporting projects that enable both large-scale and decentralized nuclear power, governments and the private sector are working to expand nuclear’s role in a clean, stable energy grid for the future. Through AI and digital twins, operators and construction teams gain a holistic, real-time view of nuclear projects and facilities, transforming how they manage both safety and efficiency across the plant’s lifecycle. This shift contributes to both enhanced operational safety and a reduction in environmental impacts of nuclear energy development.
