US firm proves deep borehole technology for reactor waste two miles down

Deep Isolation has pioneered the development and testing of deep borehole technology as a viable alternative for nuclear waste disposal. The company has initiated a three-year program to demonstrate its Universal Canister System and integrated disposal solution at full scale and depth. This approach leverages established drilling techniques and commercially available tools from the US oil and gas industry to reduce costs and technical risks. The system involves placing corrosion-resistant steel canisters containing nuclear waste deep within engineered boreholes in stable rock formations, with boreholes extending up to two miles horizontally and located up to two miles underground. After emplacement, the boreholes are sealed with multiple engineered barriers to isolate the waste securely. The Universal Canister System, developed in partnership with NAC International, is designed to accommodate various advanced reactor waste types, including vitrified reprocessing waste, TRISO-based used fuel, and halide salts from molten salt reactors. It integrates with existing dry storage and transportation infrastructure, facilitating compatibility with current nuclear waste handling practices. Results from Project SAVANT demonstrate that