Nuclearis, DeepGeo agree to collaborate

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will consider technical, legal, regulatory, and financial challenges that may prevent the use of multinational repositories for this purpose. They will also share information and jointly collaborate to promote nuclear energy adoption in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.

DeepGeo noted that this is the first such agreement between a light water reactor vendor and the multinational repositories developer. Nuclearis is now the second reactor technology start-up company to back this innovative waste disposal option, following the signing of a similar agreement in November last year with Danish advanced reactor designer Copenhagen Atomics.

Nuclearis is developing innovative pressurised water microreactors that are multi-functional, providing not only electricity but also heating and supporting industrial applications such as hydrogen production, hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel, syngas, and biochar. By focusing on sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise, the company aims to contribute to reducing carbon footprints across various industries. Its N1 microreactor design currently under development is expected to be constructed underground and operate without refueling for at least 20 years. At the end of its operational life, the reactor vessel transitions to a decay pool and dry storage solution, eliminating the need for external handling of used fuel.

_{(Image: Nuclearis)}

According to DeepGeo, disposal pathways are less clear for advanced reactor developers that are pursuing novel technologies and business models, such as leasing concepts and providing 'nuclear energy as a service'. Many start-ups, it says, are "not satisfied with the rate of progress on national disposal facilities and cannot afford to bank on them, as investors require strict assurances of sustainable waste management".

Leading international organisations, DeepGeo said, have long recognised that multinational repositories (MNRs) are essential for many established nuclear countries, which face acute challenges in the form of small waste inventories, unsuitable geology, and public opposition. "It is increasingly clear that MNRs can also help facilitate the development of SMRs and advanced reactors," it added.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Nuclearis, who have demonstrated clear nuclear industry leadership in considering not only their technology but the full nuclear fuel cycle," said DeepGeo President Link Murray. "An innovative nuclear sector needs innovative waste solutions. We are committed to working with all forward-thinking technology and project developers to help make the advanced nuclear future a reality."

"Our partnership with DeepGeo is a pivotal move in solving one of the nuclear industry's most pressing challenges - responsible management of spent fuel," said Nuclearis CEO Santiago Badran. "By working together, Nuclearis and DeepGeo are advancing not only safe and efficient energy generation but also ensuring long-term environmental stewardship. This collaboration represents a crucial step towards sustainable nuclear energy."