BERKELEY, CA – Deep Isolation, the leading global innovator in nuclear waste storage and disposal solutions, today announced the appointment of Rod Baltzer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1st, 2024. Baltzer will succeed Elizabeth Muller, who will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board.
Muller co-founded Deep Isolation in 2016 along with her father, Richard A. Muller, as the first ever private nuclear waste disposal company in the world, based on a concept discovered while working on global warming issues through their internationally recognized nonprofit, Berkeley Earth. Since then, Deep Isolation has been issued 70 patents, that leverage proven drilling practices to safely isolate waste deep underground in horizontal, vertical, or slanted borehole repositories.
Baltzer, who has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Deep Isolation since 2018, brings extensive experience in the nuclear industry. His leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the nuclear sector uniquely position him to lead Deep Isolation into its next phase of growth.
In a letter addressed to Deep Isolation investors and advisory board members, Muller expressed her confidence in Baltzer’s ability to steer the company towards achieving its goals: “While I believe I was the right person to bring Deep Isolation to where it is today, we now need someone who is fluent in the nuclear industry, with long-standing relationships with the partners and teams who can help us make disposal a reality.” She added, “I will continue to be closely involved, maintaining those roles that I do best.”
Under Baltzer’s leadership, Deep Isolation is poised to further advance its mission of providing equitable and environmentally protective disposal solution. He will focus on developing a detailed understanding of what is required for a disposal contract, securing partnerships, and advancing disposal opportunities.
“I am honored to assume the role of CEO at Deep Isolation, a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing nuclear waste technologies,” Baltzer shared. “I am committed to building upon our success and driving innovation in the field of nuclear waste storage and disposal. Together with our dedicated team, I am confident that we will continue to deliver groundbreaking solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.”
Other changes in the organization were also announced and include Chris Parker as Chief Commercialization Officer, Jesse Sloane as Executive Vice President of Engineering, Ethan Bates as Vice President of Product, Matt Waples as Director of Engineering, and Vaibhav Sharma as Senior Engineer. The new titles recognize the roles and responsibilities they have in the company and better align with similar positions in other organizations.
Baltzer was previously President, CEO, and CFO of Waste Control Specialists (WCS), a leading provider of services for low-level radioactive waste, mixed low-level radioactive waste, and hazardous waste. At WCS he was responsible for all aspects of the business including the NRC license application for the consolidated interim storage of used nuclear fuel. Baltzer maintained relationships with local community leaders and managed local, state and federal engagement with stakeholders. Baltzer is an expert in the radioactive waste industry, generators, and national storage and disposal capabilities. Baltzer successfully facilitated the 2018 sale of WCS to J.F. Lehman & Company.
For more information, please visit www.deepisolation.com.
About Deep Isolation:
Named as one of Goldman Sachs’ 30 top startups in carbon capture, hydrogen power, and nuclear energy, Deep Isolation is the first company to commercialize a nuclear waste solution. It offers a uniquely tailored solution to help countries complete the necessary steps to dispose of their waste inventories. With 70 patents issued to date, it leverages proven drilling practices to safely isolate waste deep underground in horizontal, vertical, or slanted borehole repositories.
By combining scientific and nuclear expertise with specialized stakeholder engagement skills, Deep Isolation works alongside communities to design and deliver an equitable and environmentally protective disposal solution. Deep Isolation has partnered with Amentum, Bechtel National, NAC International, Navarro, and others, and has completed projects with nine countries on three continents.
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Deep Isolation is a leading global innovator in nuclear waste storage and disposal solutions. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and scientific ingenuity, the company’s patented solution of advanced nuclear technologies enables global delivery through its partnerships with industry leaders as well as flexible IP licensing options.
Media Contact:
Sophie McCallum, Chief of Staff
media@deepisolation.com
2001 Addison St., Suite 300
Berkeley, CA 94704
www.deepisolation.com
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