Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the American economy. It is driving prosperity through advancements in technology, improved manufacturing efficiencies, and enhanced healthcare solutions. To continue this pace of rapid progress, we need dependable and scalable energy sources. Advanced nuclear energy stands ready as a reliable solution, powering America’s continued leadership in the digital age.

On July 17 and 18, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory co-hosted the AI x Nuclear Energy Executive Summit: Unleashing the Power for AI. This event brought together leaders from tech companies, the nuclear energy industry, national labs, and the U.S. government to discuss how to meet AI’s energy needs in smarter ways.

Accelerating nuclear deployment to power the digital age

As AI continues to unlock new economic and technological opportunities, it is crucial to provide the reliable energy infrastructure needed to sustain its growth. Participants at the summit highlighted how AI itself can be leveraged to enhance the efficiency, design, and operation of nuclear power plants, streamlining reactor design processes, accelerating licensing, and optimizing plant maintenance.

Forging nuclear-AI partnerships

“To power AI and to power our world, the most promising source, alongside our backbone hydrocarbon system, is nuclear,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Let’s use the tools of AI to get nuclear technology rolling again. It’s the people in this room who have been major drivers of those technologies — nuclear, AI, and computation. We want America to lead in the nuclear renaissance. Let’s drive AI and nuclear to the future.”

Participants explored how AI can accelerate nuclear energy deployment, from advanced modeling and design to streamlining operations and regulatory processes. Discussions focused on defining priorities, identifying opportunities for joint action, and shaping future energy and AI policies.

Looking ahead

The summit helped lay the groundwork for future projects that bring nuclear energy and AI closer together. By sharing knowledge and setting priorities, the participants' goal is to build energy systems that can keep up with the fast-changing digital world.

“Convening national leaders from across AI, nuclear energy, and the utilities sector reflects the urgency and opportunity of this moment,” said Paul Kearns, director of Argonne National Laboratory.

By fostering relationships and mutual understanding, the summit underscored the urgency of building robust energy infrastructure to support AI’s growth and ensure America’s global competitiveness.

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