Westinghouse and Google Cloud Partner to Streamline Nuclear Reactor Construction and Operations
Westinghouse Electric Company and Google Cloud have teamed up to improve how advanced nuclear reactors are built and operated in the U.S. Using artificial intelligence (AI), they aim to make construction more efficient and scalable while enhancing the performance of existing nuclear power plants through data-driven insights.
By integrating Westinghouse’s HiVE™ and bertha™ nuclear AI systems with Google Cloud’s AI technologies, the collaboration focuses on simplifying new nuclear plant construction. These AI tools will also optimize the operation of the current nuclear fleet, helping to deliver reliable and cost-effective electricity.
Accelerating AP1000® Deployment with AI
Westinghouse’s AP1000® modular reactor is currently the only fully licensed, construction-ready modular reactor available in the U.S. Its design supports quicker deployment of affordable and abundant nuclear energy to the power grid.
Dan Sumner, Westinghouse’s Interim CEO, highlighted that leveraging Google Cloud’s AI capabilities alongside 75 years of Westinghouse’s proprietary nuclear data can speed up AP1000 unit deployment. The AI enhancements will also improve construction workflows and operational efficiency.
Combining Nuclear Expertise with AI Technology
Kyle Jessen from Google Cloud emphasized that this partnership blends Google’s AI expertise with Westinghouse’s century of nuclear innovation. The goal is to create smarter, safer nuclear power solutions using AI not just as a tool but as a competitive advantage.
Proof of Concept and AI-Driven Construction
Westinghouse and Google Cloud recently completed a proof of concept using Westinghouse’s WNEXUS digital plant design platform integrated with HiVE AI and Google Cloud technologies like Vertex AI, Gemini, and BigQuery. This system autonomously generates and optimizes construction work packages for the AP1000 modular reactor.
Introduced in September 2024, HiVE and bertha AI solutions are built on over 75 years of nuclear data and expertise. Supported by dedicated nuclear engineers, these AI tools are ready to optimize deployment not only for AP1000 but also for Westinghouse’s AP300™ small modular reactors and eVinci® microreactors.
Enhancing Operations for Existing Plants
Beyond construction, Westinghouse’s AI solutions assist in improving the performance and reliability of existing nuclear power plants. These data-driven insights help operational teams maintain consistent, cost-effective electricity generation for homes and businesses.
- Faster, repeatable construction processes for new nuclear reactors
- Optimized work packages through autonomous AI systems
- Improved operational efficiency for active nuclear power plants
- Support for various reactor technologies including AP1000, AP300, and eVinci microreactors
Operations professionals in the nuclear sector can expect these AI advancements to reduce delays, improve safety, and lower costs in both new builds and existing plant management.
For those interested in expanding their AI skills relevant to operations and energy sectors, exploring specialized AI training programs can provide practical knowledge on implementing AI tools effectively in complex environments. Visit Complete AI Training for courses tailored to operational roles.
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