Nuclear energy automation
Precision automation for nuclear energy systems
oVERVIEW
Re-thinking nuclear energy automation
The energy sector is navigating rapid technological advancements, refined regulatory requirements, workforce shortages, and increasing demands for reliability and efficiency. Operators of nuclear plants and renewable energy facilities face complex systems, high operational costs, and critical safety requirements.
These challenges are driving the need for smarter, flexible energy automation that enhances performance, ensures operational safety, improves efficiency, and supports continuous innovation across high-stakes energy production environments.
Explore our nuclear energy automation capabilities
Supporting
Every stage of nuclear automation
Engineering consulting
Eclipse provides advanced engineering services (AES) that support every stage of a nuclear project, from concept to commissioning. By combining digital tools with deep industry insight, we identify risks early, streamline integration, and enhance reliability, building the foundation for smarter, safer nuclear automation.
New builds + SMRs + data centres
Eclipse delivers automation solutions that power SMR production and integration, using precision robotics, vision systems, digital twins, and intelligent quality control. We help energy innovators accelerate deployment, strengthen safety, and enable a cleaner, more resilient power future.
Digital and virtual technology
Eclipse enables teams to simulate performance, validate designs, and optimize workflows before deployment, reducing risk and accelerating adoption. Our blended training programs combine virtual and in-class learning for safer, faster workforce readiness.
Nuclear fuel manufacturing
Automation enhances safety, precision, and
throughput in nuclear fuel production. Eclipse design systems for pellet fabrication, fuel-rod assembly, inspection, and packaging to ensure consistent
quality and full regulatory compliance throughout the fuel cycle.
Medical isotope manufacturing
Eclipse integrates robotics, AI-driven quality control, and smart material handling to manage radioactive processes with accuracy and compliance. From
automated dispensing and packaging to remote handling, we help innovators protect workers and accelerate access to life-saving isotopes.
Contract manufacturing
Eclipse provides precision contract manufacturing solutions tailored to the nuclear industry’s strict quality and safety requirements. With build-to-print
expertise and validated processes, we deliver flexible, compliant, and traceable solutions that accelerate timelines and uphold the highest manufacturing standards.
Lifecycle support and services
Eclipse’s Lifecycle Services deliver end-to-end support to keep nuclear operations running safely and efficiently. Our programs include predictive maintenance, virtual and in-class training, equipment performance optimization, and rapid parts replacement through a certified global network.
Modernization and refurbishments
Extending the life of existing nuclear infrastructure requires precision and planning. Eclipse develops and delivers advanced tooling, inspection, and
maintenance systems that meet strict safety
standards to help operators modernize facilities and maintain reliable performance.
Decommissioning and waste
Eclipse designs and builds specialized waste-handling systems that enable remote extraction, sorting, and packaging of low-, intermediate-, and high-level radioactive materials. Our experience in robotic
handling and containment ensures accuracy, traceability, and operator safety.
We solve
Industry challenges
- Safety and regulatory compliance
Nuclear facilities operate under extremely strict safety and regulatory standards to ensure processes are precise, repeatable, and fully traceable to maintain compliance and protect personnel and equipment. - Complex system integration
Nuclear plants involve multiple interdependent systems, from reactors and turbines to control rooms and monitoring systems to avoid downtime and operational risk. - Aging infrastructure and equipment
Many nuclear facilities rely on legacy equipment with a growing need to interface with both old and modern systems, enabling upgrades without major plant shutdowns. - Data management, AI & generative AI
Nuclear operations generate vast amounts of operational data that should help with maintenance schedules, anomaly detection, operational optimization, and scenario simulation. - Skilled workforce shortages
Nuclear facilities face a shrinking pool of skilled engineers and technicians. - Operational efficiency and cost pressures
Maintaining peak efficiency while controlling operational costs is a constant challenge.
oUR eXPERTISE
Nuclear
We address the unique challenges of the nuclear energy sector by delivering advanced automation solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability, such as:
Ensure precise control
Deliver tailored automation technologies for reactor management systems, fuel optimization, and waste management.
Reduce human intervention
Minimize occupational risks in hazardous environments through advanced automation solutions.
Maximize energy output
Optimize nuclear fuel usage while minimizing waste for greater efficiency and sustainability.
Support lifecycle operations
Enable safe and reliable refurbishment, life extensions, and decommissioning processes for nuclear facilities.
Design integrated systems
Develop multi-purpose nuclear waste decommissioning and extraction systems to safely retrieve, sort, and package radioactive waste across all levels.
Advance reactor programs
Lead reactor inspection, maintenance, and life extension tooling projects in Canada, Romania, and China over the next two decades.
Collaborate on hot cells
Design and manufacture hot cells as part of an IPD multi-partner agreement.
Innovate reactor builds
Support Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and large new-reactor builds globally.
Provide training solutions
Conduct mock-up testing, commissioning, and operator training for innovative nuclear energy solutions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Why is automation important in nuclear energy operations?
Automation reduces human exposure to hazardous materials, improves operational accuracy, and supports stringent safety and regulatory standards. It enables consistent reactor control, precise fuel handling, and effective waste management, all while maintaining efficiency and reducing operational risk.
How does Eclipse Automation ensure precision and compliance in nuclear energy projects?
Through tailored automation systems, advanced engineering simulations, and integrated enterprise-level monitoring, Eclipse ensures critical processes meet stringent tolerances and regulatory requirements. Our approach includes mock-up testing, commissioning, and continuous optimization to guarantee reliable, long-term performance.
What challenges are unique to nuclear energy automation, manufacturing, and operations?
Nuclear projects face challenges such as handling radioactive materials safely, maintaining precision during fuel and reactor assembly, ensuring repeatable quality, integrating complex control systems, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Automation and data-driven systems are essential for mitigating these risks and achieving operational efficiency.
What stages of the nuclear lifecycle does Eclipse Automation support?
Eclipse supports the entire nuclear energy automation lifecycle, including new reactor builds, refurbishment, life extensions, decommissioning, and waste management. Our vertically integrated systems combine custom automation, data monitoring, and predictive maintenance tools to maintain safety, efficiency, and sustainability throughout each stage.
Featured articles and insights
-
Nuclear Energy Overview
From concept to commissioning, automation makes nuclear safer and more reliable.
-
Industry segment: Nuclear energy
Watch the video: See how automation improves performance in nuclear energy.
-
Whiteshell Case Study
See how nuclear energy’s importance grows through modernization and emerging reactor solutions.
