Microsoft is reportedly teaming up with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to deploy artificial intelligence in streamlining the complex paperwork required to license and upgrade nuclear power plants in the U.S.

The collaboration will use Microsoft’s AI systems — trained on a vast archive of successful historical applications — to generate engineering and safety analysis reports that typically span hundreds of pages. These reports are key components of applications for new construction permits and operating licenses.

“This technology is designed for human refinement,” says Nelli Babayan, Microsoft’s AI director for federal civilian business. “Experts can review and edit any section as needed, either manually or with additional AI support — it’s ultimately human-driven.”

The initiative follows an executive order signed in May by President Donald Trump to fast-track nuclear plant licensing, reducing timelines from several years to as little as 18 months. The push comes as energy demand surges due to the rapid expansion of AI data centers.

Beyond expediting new projects, the AI tools could also assist existing nuclear facilities seeking to boost output. Scott Ferrara of INL notes that data from 82 past plant upgrades can be leveraged to help generate amendment requests more efficiently.