AI to Transform Nuclear Plant Operations... UNIST, KHNP Push for Innovation at Energy Sites

Energy x AI Convergence Research Innovation Center Opens

Six Projects on Nuclear Safety and Power Plant Automation

"Focusing on Applying Research Results at Operating Sites"

Research into integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nuclear power plant operations and power plant management is moving into full swing. The initiative aims to accelerate the energy industry’s digital transformation by linking universities’ AI research capabilities with the technical needs of power generation sites.

UNIST (President Chong Rae Park) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) held a signboard unveiling ceremony for the Energy x AI Convergence Research Innovation Center at UNIST’s 5th Engineering Building on Tuesday, sharing the results of their joint research and plans for its future direction.

The center brings together key research organizations, including UNIST’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence, Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality, and U Future Strategy Institute. KAIST and Mirae and Challenge Co., Ltd. are also contributing as joint research institutions.

Attendees pose for a commemorative photo at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the UNIST-Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power “Energy x AI Convergence Research and Innovation Center.” (From fourth from left: Lee Gwanghun, head of the Quality and Technology Division at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power; Ahn Hyunsil, vice president for research at UNIST)

The research focuses on identifying technologies needed at KHNP sites and developing AI-based solutions. The two organizations have selected and are pursuing six core research projects, along with “Quick-Win” projects for short-term technology demonstrations.

Key areas include AI-based optimization of nuclear power plant operations and enhanced safety, power plant automation, integrated energy and hydrogen operations, and broader applications of AI convergence technologies. It is important not only to develop technologies in the lab, but also to verify whether they can be applied at actual power generation sites.

Following the signboard unveiling, the two organizations agreed to step up the application of joint research results at operating sites and identify new research projects. They plan to strengthen collaboration among researchers by expanding seminars and workshops in each field, and to translate the industry’s technical needs into specific research projects.

UNIST President Chong Rae Park said, “Our cooperation with KHNP is an important industry-academia collaboration model for applying university research outcomes to the energy industry. By combining AI with nuclear power and energy, we will produce research outcomes that enhance the safety and competitiveness of the nation’s energy industry.”

Lee Kwang-hoon, head of KHNP’s Quality and Technology Division, said, “Combining an understanding of on-site operations with advanced research capabilities is important to the AI transformation of the energy industry,” adding that KHNP would pursue joint research with research-oriented universities.

Experts say that the extent to which AI can change the way nuclear power plants and other power plants operate will be determined on the ground. Attention is focused on whether this collaboration can translate laboratory technologies into real change in the energy industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.