Transmission How Quantum Sensors Could Transform Nuclear Power - EPRI
Feb 24, 2026
Emma Wong, Nuclear Principal Lead for Innovation at EPRI, applies quantum sensing to grid and nuclear reliability. She discusses atomic-based, no-drift sensors and quantum LiDAR for inspecting water intakes, welds, and pipes. Talks cover cutting nuclear downtime, utility pilot programs, and pairing quantum with AI to make inspections faster and data smarter.
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Choosing The Right Quantum Material Matters
- Diamond defects and other quantum platforms promise high sensitivity but vary by application; synthetic diamonds lower cost with scale.
- Emma notes you must pick the optimal defect/color for each measurement, which is an active research area.
Deploy Quantum LiDAR For Intake And Underwater Inspections
- Use quantum LiDAR for faster, clearer inspections in murky water and haze to detect debris, weld defects, and intake blockages.
- Emma expects demonstrations within a year to 18 months and highlights underwater and intake applications for power plants.
Inspection Speed Directly Reduces Nuclear Outage Cost
- Faster, higher‑resolution inspections can cut nuclear outage duration and costs significantly.
- Emma cites average nuclear downtime impact at ~USD 1 million per day and describes inspections reduced from months to weeks by better sensors.