Powering the Future: How XR Technologies Are Transforming the Nuclear Energy Industry

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From Kompanions

In nuclear energy, safety, precision, and reliability are non-negotiable. But training operators, testing systems, and preparing for worst-case scenarios can be expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous.

Extended reality (XR)—the umbrella term for technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)—is stepping up. Once considered futuristic novelties, XR tools are now being used to solve some of the nuclear industry’s most pressing challenges by simulating complex operations, improving human performance, and reducing risk.

Let’s explore how nuclear operators and researchers are using XR, the tangible benefits it delivers, real-world case studies from leaders like Fortum, Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, GE Vernova, and Argonne National Lab—and the hurdles still standing in the way of broader adoption.

The Power of Simulation: Why XR Makes Sense in Nuclear

XR technologies are a natural fit for nuclear energy. The sector is highly complex, deeply regulated, and full of high-stakes, low-frequency scenarios—things you need to be prepared for, but hope never happen. XR enables:

  • Immersive training that replicates control rooms, radiation zones, and emergency events

  • Safe rehearsal of high-risk tasks like fuel movement or leak response

  • Early design validation for new builds and retrofits

  • Better collaboration and knowledge transfer between aging experts and new recruits

In short, XR helps nuclear teams learn by doing, but with less danger, downtime, and multimillion-dollar mock-ups.

Real-World Examples: XR in Action at Nuclear Sites

XR in nuclear energy is already being deployed in control rooms, training facilities, and research labs around the world. From immersive simulations that mirror real control panels to digital twins supporting robotic maintenance planning, the use cases are as varied as they are valuable. Here’s a closer look at how leading organizations are turning XR innovation into operational impact.

Fortum’s Virtual Control Room

At the Loviisa nuclear plant in Finland, energy company Fortum replaced traditional simulators with a fully immersive VR training environment using Varjo headsets. Operators can now walk through emergency protocols, navigate the control room, and validate interface designs—months before the real room is built.

Joakim Bergroth, Senior CR and HMI Expert at Fortum, said, “With the help of VR, pre-validations and evaluations can be done several months ahead of time. There is plenty of time to fix errors and findings before physical implementations. That saves an enormous amount of time, money, and grey hair in general.” 

They’ve also used VR for design validation—spotting usability issues early and saving time during retrofits—and training.

XR Training in Canada's Nuclear Facilities

Another example of XR innovation comes from Packet39, which developed a suite of virtual and augmented reality training tools for Pickering Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario. One key application simulated the facility’s claustrophobic airlock system, allowing trainees to rehearse entry procedures, emergency sequences, and correct handling of valves and levers—all in a realistic, 3D-scanned environment. The result: improved muscle memory, reduced panic, and major cost savings compared to physical mockups.

The team also built an AR-based radiation training system using HoloLens headsets and custom software. Instead of relying on hard-to-see floor tape, workers saw simulated radiation beams overlaid in real time as they moved through a reactor core mockup. A networked admin station tracked each user’s exposure and triggered training events—creating a hands-free, highly realistic experience that helped trainees understand invisible risks in a way traditional tools couldn’t.

GE Vernova’s XR Simulators for Nuclear Training

In the U.S., GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) offers XR simulators to support safe, repeatable training for complex tasks like:

  • Fuel movement

  • Reactor vessel assembly

  • Control panel operations

Built using Virtualware’s VIROO platform, these VR modules let operators practice in real time, with the system tracking errors and providing detailed feedback.

Argonne’s “Gamified” Workforce Development

At the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, researchers are exploring how gamified XR tools can train and attract a new generation of nuclear workers. These tools simulate real-life work scenarios but feel more like a video game—something designed to engage younger learners.

In one example, they overlaid images of an 800-gallon sodium tank with accompanying valves and pipes clearly labeled. The tank appeared true to size, oriented correctly and fitted properly within the actual space. In its virtual form, a technician could see it covered in insulation and casings or as a rendering with obscuring layers removed. 

Derek Kultgen, operations manager of Argonne’s Mechanisms Test Loop Facility (METL), said, “As everything transitions to digital, there is an opportunity for the nuclear industry to use extended reality to break down the silos where useful data resides and bring data to the people who need it.”

What’s Driving Adoption?

The momentum behind XR in nuclear is growing thanks to a convergence of factors:

  • Aging Workforce: As experienced professionals retire, XR offers a way to preserve and transfer knowledge.

  • Cost Pressure: VR training setups can be deployed faster and cheaper than physical simulators.

  • Safety: Realistic, consequence-free rehearsal reduces risk in live environments.

  • Attracting New Talent: Tech-forward tools resonate with younger engineers and students.

In many ways, XR is becoming a strategic asset.

What’s Holding XR Back?

Despite the promise, widespread adoption isn’t without its challenges:

  • Regulatory Constraints: Training tools must meet strict standards to be accepted in certification pathways.

  • Hardware Limitations: XR headsets must render complex nuclear interfaces with extreme clarity.

  • Integration Complexity: Legacy systems aren’t always easy to connect with XR platforms.

  • Cybersecurity Risks: XR systems that handle operational data must be tightly secured.

  • Organizational Inertia: Even with a strong ROI, some organizations remain hesitant to change how they train and operate.

Still, as XR tools mature and nuclear sites face increasing demands, the case for adoption grows stronger.

Conclusion: A New Era of Preparedness

XR is becoming an essential tool for building the nuclear workforce of the future and ensuring safe, efficient operations. From Fortum’s immersive operator training to GEH’s task simulators and Argonne’s innovative XR learning environments, nuclear leaders are proving that extended reality can be a strategic advantage.

As the industry navigates workforce shifts, aging infrastructure, and public expectations for safety and sustainability, XR can help power a more resilient and responsive nuclear energy sector.