Drew Bond writes about the need for nuclear power and two possible solutions to nuclear waste, Deep Isolation’s three step solution and R&D investment in reusing the waste.

Founded in 2016 by environmentalist Elizabeth Muller and University of California, Berkeley, physicist Richard Muller, Deep Isolation uses an innovative approach to deep geologic disposal. The founders believe that we have a responsibility to find a disposal solution that can be implemented in reasonable timeframes, rather than passing on the problem to future generations.

A new Deep Isolation study commissioned by advanced reactor deployment company Fermi Energia discusses the potential suitability of areas in Estonia considered for siting a deep horizontal borehole repository for nuclear waste.

Fermi Energia, the Estonian privately-held energy company working to develop a small modular reactor (SMR) to ensure the country’s energy supply, commissioned Berkeley based Deep Isolation to conduct a study to examine the potential suitability of certain areas in Estonia that are under consideration for siting a deep horizontal borehole repository for nuclear waste.

 According to a survey commissioned by the company Fermi Energia, which seeks to set up a modular nuclear power plant in Estonia, several areas of Estonia could be potentially cleared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the establishment of a deep well storage facility for used nuclear fuel. 

There are no fundamental geologic limitations to disposing of radioactive waste in deep horizontal boreholes in Estonia, a study conducted by US nuclear waste disposal company Deep Isolation on behalf of Fermi Energia has concluded.

 The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has released a technical report that identifies and evaluates some of the most important elements for planning, siting, licensing, and implementing deep borehole storage and disposal for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) co-located with an operating advanced nuclear power plant. 

California-based nuclear waste disposal company Deep Isolation has closed its $20 million Series A raise, led by nuclear industry leader NAC International (NAC), which “represents a significant industry milestone for the disposal of nuclear waste”.

Deep Isolation’s CEO says that the raise of USD20 million in funding shows that “socially responsible investors” are willing to support the company’s mission to become an integral part of a low-carbon future. They have also announced it is collaborating with Fermi Energia on a preliminary study into using Deep Isolation’s horizontal deep borehole solution ...

This article is behind a paywall: Deep Isolation, a Berkeley startup working toward a permanent nuclear waste disposal solution using drilling technologies, said Wednesday that it has closed on a $20 million Series A round led by nuclear industry leader NAC International Inc.