Khalifa University And EPRI Sign Strategic Agreement To Enhance Nuclear Reactor Safety Using AI Innovations

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has entered into a strategic partnership with EPRI, an independent non-profit energy research institute. This collaboration aims to create an AI-driven Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) framework to enhance safety analysis for advanced water-based nuclear reactors. The project will integrate artificial intelligence with high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to boost reactor reliability and regulatory compliance.

The initiative focuses on developing predictive machine-learning models to quantify uncertainties in thermal-hydraulic phenomena. These advancements are expected to aid in the licensing and operational safety of next-generation nuclear power plants, including APR1400 and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Khalifa University’s existing AI expertise and infrastructure will be instrumental in this joint project.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, highlighted the importance of this collaboration with EPRI. He stated, "The collaboration with EPRI underscores our commitment to pioneering research in the UAE that strengthens peaceful nuclear energy, safety and sustainability." The partnership also builds on previous initiatives, such as the establishment of the Khalifa University-EPRI Joint R&D Lab.

Khalifa University's Emirates Nuclear Technology Centre (ENTC) will play a crucial role in this project alongside EPRI. The team includes Professor Yacine Addad as Deputy Director of ENTC and Principal Investigator, Dr. Antonio Cammi as Co-Investigator, and EPRI researchers Dr. YJ Choi, Dr. Hasan Charkas, and Dr. Andrew Ceto.

The initiative is divided into two phases involving model development, full-scale simulations, and integration with EPRI’s nuclear accident analysis code to improve modeling capabilities. Phase-1 will identify safety-relevant phenomena, review AI/ML methodologies, initiate framework development, and produce an interim report. Phase-2 will focus on full-scale CFD simulations, complete framework development, apply it to quantify uncertainties, and deliver the final report.

Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of EPRI, remarked on the significance of this partnership: "This collaboration with Khalifa University represents a significant step toward integrating advanced AI techniques into nuclear safety analysis." He also noted that local support from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) in Abu Dhabi reinforces the UAE's leadership in safe nuclear energy.

The Khalifa University-EPRI collaboration is anticipated to support licensing processes, operational maintenance, and regulatory compliance for future nuclear power plants. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the safe deployment of next-generation nuclear power systems worldwide.

With inputs from WAM