China's use of digital, AI tools praised by intl body

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency have praised China's innovative application of digital tools and artificial intelligence in strengthening its regulation of nuclear safety.

At the request of the Chinese government, the 24-member Integrated Regulatory Review Service team concluded a 12-day mission in July covering a full-scope review of all facilities, activities and exposure situations in the country.

Using IAEA safety standards and taking advantage of international good practices, IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of national regulatory infrastructure, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.

During the visit, the IRRS team observed regulatory oversight at several sites with nuclear facilities, including a nuclear power plant, a research reactor and a hospital. It also conducted interviews and discussions with the National Nuclear Safety Administration, as well as other nuclear-related and health authorities.

The team identified several good practices by China's regulatory body, according to an IAEA media release.

China has, for instance, made unique advances in developing, adopting and exploiting the benefits of AI-based tools to significantly improve the efficiency of its decision-making, safety oversight and knowledge management.

The team commended the body's arrangements for regular, high-level exchanges with all senior industry stakeholders on domestic and global nuclear safety developments, which have ensured a common understanding of nuclear safety priorities and required improvements across China's nuclear industry.

"The fast growth in China's nuclear power program will require the recruitment and training of a significant number of additional nuclear professionals in the regulatory field in the coming years. Its use of technology to support the effectiveness of its national regulator is an exemplar for all of us to learn from," said IRRS team leader Mark Foy, former chief executive and chief nuclear inspector of the United Kingdom's Office for Nuclear Regulation.

The IRRS team put forward some recommendations and suggestions to further improve the overall effectiveness of China's regulatory system.

They, for example, look forward to seeing China clarify its protection strategies in the case of a nuclear or radiological emergency, and provide a documented process for developing inspection plans for nuclear facilities.

The country is expected to enhance its processes to ensure that updates to department rules, guides and standards are completed to appropriately align with the latest IAEA safety standards.

The final mission report will be provided to the Chinese government in three months, according to the IAEA.

China operates 59 nuclear reactors, the world's second-most after the United States. Nuclear generates around 5 percent of the country's total electricity. China is building an additional 32 reactors and planning the construction of another 21.

The previous IRRS mission to China was carried out in 2016, when the country had 32 reactors in operation, it said.

"Over the past decade, China has made impressive headway in establishing a capable and independent regulatory body and promoting a healthy nuclear safety culture. China has a strong, competent and trusted national regulator that works effectively to ensure the safety of the public and environment," Foy said.

Karine Herviou, deputy director-general and head of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, said: "The team of senior regulatory experts recognized the government's unequivocal support to ensure a strong national safety regulator, including the provision of human and financial resources, while also proposing specific actions for further enhancements."