Startup Secures $33 Million to Adapt Oil Drilling Technology for Nuclear Waste Storage
By Will Wade | July 24, 2025
A pioneering nuclear technology startup, Deep Isolation Nuclear Inc., has successfully raised $33 million in a private funding round to advance the development of its innovative system for storing radioactive waste deep underground. The Berkeley, California-based company aims to utilize drilling techniques originally developed for hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas industry to safely deposit spent nuclear fuel rods in boreholes, offering a potentially transformative solution to the long-term management of nuclear waste.
Adapting Proven Drilling Methods for Nuclear Applications
Deep Isolation’s approach involves deploying advanced directional drilling technology to create deep boreholes where radioactive waste can be isolated from the environment. Instead of traditional mined repositories, the company’s method relies on drilling narrow, deep holes—similar to those used for fracking but repurposed to meet the stringent safety and containment requirements necessary for nuclear materials.
This novel strategy could address many challenges faced by conventional nuclear waste storage methods, which often require large-scale excavation and face significant public and regulatory hurdles. By leveraging the extensive expertise and technological advancements of the oil and gas sector, Deep Isolation hopes to offer a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative.
Progress and Next Steps
While the company states that its technology is nearing readiness, it has yet to complete full-scale testing of the system. The freshly raised capital is earmarked to conduct a critical demonstration of the concept, aiming to prove the safety and reliability of the underground storage method. Achieving regulatory approval remains a key milestone before wider deployment can begin, as nuclear waste storage is subject to rigorous oversight to protect public health and the environment.
Addressing a Vital Need Amid Nuclear Energy’s Resurgence
The nuclear energy sector is experiencing renewed interest as countries and companies seek to reduce carbon emissions and diversify energy sources. With this revival comes increased attention on the safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel—a persistent challenge that has historically impeded broader adoption.
Deep Isolation’s innovation represents a promising avenue to resolve this issue, potentially facilitating the nuclear industry’s growth by offering a viable waste management solution. If successful, the startup could play an integral role in the clean energy transition by ensuring that nuclear power remains a safe and sustainable option.
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