Microsoft and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have announced a collaboration to leverage artificial intelligence in streamlining the permitting process for new nuclear power plants in the United States. The partnership, revealed on Wednesday, aims to expedite the creation of complex engineering and safety reports required for construction permits and operating licenses.

AI-Powered Efficiency

The initiative utilizes Microsoft’s advanced AI technology, trained on an extensive database of successful past applications, to compile detailed documentation that often spans hundreds of pages. By pulling relevant data from existing studies, the AI system generates draft reports, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for regulatory submissions.

Nelli Babayan, Microsoft’s AI director for federal civilian business, emphasized the human-in-the-loop approach. “The AI creates drafts for human refinement, allowing experts to review and edit sections manually or with additional AI assistance, depending on their needs,” she explained in an interview with Reuters. This ensures both accuracy and flexibility in the process.

Responding to Rising Energy Demands

The collaboration aligns with recent efforts to address growing energy needs, particularly driven by AI data centers. In May, President Donald Trump signed executive orders to accelerate nuclear power plant licensing, aiming to compress the often years-long process into as little as 18 months. The Microsoft-INL partnership supports this goal by automating key aspects of the application process.

Boosting Existing Nuclear Facilities

Beyond new plants, the AI technology could enhance the efficiency of existing nuclear facilities. Scott Ferrara, INL’s deputy division director for nuclear safety and regulatory research, highlighted the potential to increase power output at current plants. “With data from 82 prior upgrades, the AI can quickly generate license amendment requests to support power increases,” Ferrara told Reuters. This capability could help meet rising energy demands without the need for entirely new infrastructure.

A Step Toward Sustainable Energy

By combining Microsoft’s AI expertise with INL’s nuclear regulatory knowledge, the partnership marks a significant step toward modernizing the nuclear energy sector. The technology promises to reduce bureaucratic delays while maintaining rigorous safety standards, paving the way for faster deployment of clean energy solutions to meet the nation’s growing power needs.