Adapting and Regulating Emerging Technologies for Cybersecurity Solutions in Remotely Operated Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

The deployment of Small modular reactors (SMRs) in remote locations poses cybersecurity challenges that far exceed existing large-scale nuclear facilities in terms of monitoring, command, and control. The challenges extend from the effectiveness and reliability of physical security to ensuring secure remote communication with distant control centers. These cybersecurity challenges must be addressed before deploying a solution to operate SMRs remotely. Through four overlapping projects, this research programs aim to provide the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) with the knowledge to assist in regulating cybersecurity solutions for remotely operated SMRs including the utilization of emergent technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, the research program will provide nuclear SMR vendors with cybersecurity solutions and knowledge. The proposed research program will generate new knowledge to assist the Government of Canada in licensing, regulatory, and cybersecurity aspects of deploying SMRs. This research program will particularly benefit remote communities as off-grid SMRs will be deployed in remote locations to generate power. A key issue for SMR developers and regulators is how remote operations can be done securely and from a cybersecurity perspective. The program aims to train highly qualified personnel (HQP) in the areas of Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor design, SMR Design, Nuclear Software Quality and Standards, Cybersecurity, Artificial intelligence (AI) and Edge AI, Control Systems, Augmented reality (AR), and Software Engineering.