Digital transformation has gained significant momentum across nuclear energy systems, driving new expectations for safety, efficiency, and compliance. As small modular reactors (SMRs) and new digital technologies gain traction, nuclear operators are exploring how cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet-of-things (IoT) can improve performance, lower costs, and support security and sustainability.
But with these opportunities come new risks, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. So how can nuclear plants harness the benefits of cloud and remote access while staying compliant and secure?
We explore this topic in detail below - and even further in our on-demand webinar on nuclear cloud security.
Why cloud technology matters in the nuclear energy sector
Traditional on-premises infrastructure is costly—and costs increase as nuclear facilities progressively rely on software-driven analysis, real-time monitoring, and interconnectivity. Cloud computing offers a strategic advantage by making computer infrastructures more flexible, scalable, and accessible.
For nuclear energy systems, where safety, compliance, and continuous operations are critical, cloud technology provides a foundation for secure, efficient, and future-ready modernization.
Key benefits include:
- Cost savings: Shift capital expenses to more manageable operational costs.
- Scalability: Quickly add computing power or storage as needed.
- Accessible: Enable secure access to systems and data from anywhere.
- Resilience: Minimize downtime with disaster recovery and backup options.
- Available: Minimize downtime using provider service-level agreements (SLAs).
The value isn’t hypothetical—it’s operational.
Practical applications of cloud in nuclear energy systems
Here are just a few examples that show how cloud and remote access can be used in the nuclear sector:
1. High-performance simulation
Software like GOTHIC—used for modeling complex thermal-hydraulic scenarios—can require significant computing resources. Running simulations in the cloud accelerates processing times and improves efficiency without costly investments in on-premises hardware.
2. Monitoring remote reactors
Organizations like Canadian Nuclear Laboratories are investigating how to remotely monitor micro-reactors in isolated regions. These unattended remote monitoring systems allow a central team to remotely access and manage operations from afar—while reducing the need for onsite technical staff.
3. Integrating with smart grid systems
Cloud platforms support the integration of nuclear operations into larger smart grid environments. By aggregating and analyzing real-time data, plant operators can better forecast demand, manage load balancing, and identify performance issues before they escalate.
Cybersecurity risks in nuclear cloud adoption
Despite its advantages, cloud adoption in nuclear environments raises valid concerns—especially around cybersecurity. But the technology itself isn’t the issue. It’s the approach.
Vulnerabilities emerge when cloud systems are poorly designed or misconfigured. On the other hand, well-planned deployments can match or even exceed the security of traditional systems.
Primary concerns include:
- Availability: Ensuring critical data remains accessible during cloud-provider outages or disruptions.
- Data sovereignty: Keeping sensitive information within national borders and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Shared responsibility: Understanding where cloud service provider duties end—and yours begin.
- Remote access controls: Preventing unauthorized users from gaining entry to sensitive environments.
- Auditability: Most cloud service providers are unable to allow customers access to their facilities to audit their compliance with customer cyber security programs.
The solution isn’t to avoid the cloud—but to implement it in ways that are secure, compliant, and aligned with nuclear safety priorities.
Regulatory frameworks for secure nuclear cloud adoption
In Canada, the CSA N290.7 standard sets the foundation for cybersecurity within nuclear facilities. It defines how to secure cyber essential assets (CEAs) and lays out clear rules for network segmentation, monitoring, and access.
One of the more restrictive clauses prohibits remote access to CEAs performing moderate or high nuclear safety functions. With new digital transformation initiatives, is this requirement still viable? Or is it unnecessarily restricting nuclear facilities’ ability to experience the benefits these technologies provide—particularly with modern SMRs that feature passive safety mechanisms?
It’s also worth noting that while CSA N290.7 draws from IT-centric frameworks like NIST SP800-53, it also accounts for the nuances of operational technology (OT) environments. OT systems directly control physical processes, and downtime or latency isn’t just inconvenient—it can impact safety.
The same can be done for cloud technology using well-established cloud security frameworks such as Cloud Security Alliance’s Security Guidance for Cloud Computing. To stay ahead, the nuclear industry can benefit from these frameworks while considering the distinctions of OT and nuclear environments.
Guidelines for secure nuclear cloud implementation
For plants exploring cloud and remote access options, a measured and strategic approach is essential.
1. Use cloud for low-risk, high-impact areas
Start with non-safety-critical applications like simulations, monitoring dashboards, analytics, training environments, and document management. These functions often benefit the most from cloud agility.
2. Strengthen your security architecture
Adopt a defense-in-depth strategy following security control best practices for cloud environments—layer access controls, monitoring tools, firewalls, and encryption. Follow zero-trust principles and ensure multi-factor authentication is in place.
3. Map responsibilities clearly
Work closely with your cloud provider or cloud service broker to define roles under the shared responsibility model. Ensure your internal teams are fully trained on their part of the security equation.
4. Stay aligned with evolving standards
Follow updates to CSA N290.7 and complementary frameworks like the Cloud Security Alliance’s guidance or the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s Cloud Security Risk Management approach. Understand where gaps exist, especially for OT-specific use cases.
5. Plan for failure scenarios
Prepare for outages or service disruptions by analyzing the risk and taking proper mitigating measures.
How Alithya supports cloud services in the nuclear energy sector
Navigating digital transformation in a nuclear environment isn’t easy. The stakes are high, and the path isn’t always clear. That’s where Alithya comes in.
We help nuclear operators modernize with confidence—through secure, compliant, and practical technology solutions that align with your mission-critical operations.
Our expertise includes:
- Cybersecurity strategy & compliance: Deep expertise in CSA N290.7, NIST, and other relevant standards—plus real-world experience adapting them to OT contexts.
- Risk assessment & security testing: Comprehensive audits and security posture reviews to identify and close gaps before they become threats.
- Operational technology integration: We bridge the OT/IT divide with solutions that support both plant operations and enterprise IT.
- Change management & training: Supporting your teams with the skills and knowledge they need to operate safely in a more connected environment.
If you’re ready to explore what cloud and cybersecurity modernization could mean for your plant, Alithya is ready to help. Let’s move forward—securely and strategically. Contact us today to start the conversation.
Learn more about cloud benefits and secure nuclear implementation strategies
Interested in diving deeper into how cloud technology and cybersecurity are transforming the nuclear industry?
Watch our on-demand webinar: Cloud Services for Nuclear - A Cyber Perspective.
In this session you’ll get practical insights into:
- the real-world benefits of cloud adoption in nuclear environments;
- common challenges around monitoring, compliance, and integration;
- how to navigate cybersecurity risks while maintaining operational integrity; and
- recommendations for aligning with CSA N290.7 and other critical standards.
Whether you're an IT lead or a plant manager, this webinar offers actionable advice and key considerations to reflect on prior to moving your operations to the cloud.