US-based nuclear waste storage and disposal company Deep Isolation has been selected by SHINE Technologies as its preferred solution for storage and disposal of the high-level waste (HLW) that will remain as a residue after deployment of SHINE’s technology for recycling used nuclear fuel (UNF). The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly drive forward used fuel recycling supported by a safe and scalable solution for the resulting waste streams.
SHINE and Deep Isolation will collaborate and exchange critical information for the use of Deep Isolation’s Universal Canister System (UCS) and patented directional drilling solution for deep borehole disposal for HLW isolation and management.
A joint study by the two companies in 2023 looked at the feasibility and costs of disposing 100% of the HLW remaining from SHINE’s pilot reprocessing facility by encapsulating the waste in the UCS and emplacing in deep boreholes. The study concluded that SHINE’s recycling process reduced the HLW volume by more than 90% compared with the original UNF volume, and that Deep Isolation’s solution is technically and economically viable for the remaining waste. The study also identified areas where further technical work could optimise Deep Isolation’s technology for the remaining waste, reducing disposal costs even further.
SHINE founder & CEO Greg Piefer said the approximately 90,000 tonnes of civilian used nuclear fuel across the US represents an untapped and arguably renewable resource that if recycled will reduce emissions and accelerate the deployment of carbon free fission energy. “The result of this work will be a reduction in waste volumes and ultimately half-life that allows for simpler, safer disposal. Deep Isolation has proven they have a realistic and reasonable solution for the disposal of these wastes, among others as needed. Our agreement underscores our mutual commitment to improve the world through enabling expansion of clean fission power while responsibly managing its waste stream.”
Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Isolation said the agreement “gives the two companies a clear framework to commercialise our respective innovations in an integrated way”. She added: “Clean nuclear power can only take off if the industry can show society that there are safe, practical, and permanent means of disposing the highly radioactive materials that result. Integrating Deep Isolation’s disposal technology with SHINE’s recycling technology offers a powerful solution.”
Deep Isolation is a leading global innovator in nuclear waste storage and disposal solutions. The company says its patented solution of advanced nuclear technologies enables global delivery through its partnerships with industry leaders as well as flexible licensing options.
SHINE Technologies describes itself as a fusion company. It has detailed a four-phased approach “to produce meaningful outcomes at each stage as we work toward fusion energy”. These phases are: inspection (using neutron generation to take images and test durability of high-performing components, ensuring their integrity); production (of medical isotopes); nuclear waste recycling (making fission power a more environmentally and socially friendly option); and generation (producing economically viable power with fusion).
In February, SHINE and Orano USA signed agreed to cooperate on the development of a US pilot plant with commercial-scale technology for recycling used nuclear fuel from light water reactors. Site selection for the pilot facility is expected by the end of this year. The pilot plant concept – expected to recycle 100 tonnes a year of used nuclear fuel, extracting 99% of usable uranium and plutonium – will validate commercial-scale aqueous recycling with integrated non-proliferation measures. The system is based on SHINE's separation technology and Orano's methods in operation at its La Hague facility in France.
Image: Deep Isolation's concept for the disposal of nuclear fuel and high-level waste (courtesy of Deep Isolation)
