This nuclear startup and Halliburton repurposed oil-drilling tech in a bid to solve America’s radioactive waste problem

A nuclear waste disposal company called Deep Isolation Nuclear, in collaboration with oilfield services leader Halliburton, is working on a novel approach to address America's radioactive waste problem. The partnership aims to repurpose oil-drilling technology to safely bury radioactive waste deep underground, about 2 miles below the surface, in specially designed canisters weighing around 5,000 pounds.

Currently, over 95,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel are stored temporarily across 80 sites in more than 30 states, with no permanent disposal sites available. The U.S. Department of Energy has recently named five states as finalists for "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses" to tackle nuclear fuel recycling and waste.

Deep Isolation believes its solution lies in drilling boreholes near nuclear plants or other locations for safe disposal. The company has noted that advancements in oil drilling technology over the last 10 to 20 years have made this approach viable.

Early next year, Halliburton will conduct a test well-drilling operation to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. The well will be drilled vertically and then horizontally, with a gradual bend that is nearly imperceptible, to reach the desired depth. A larger drill bit will be used, nearly triple the size typically used for oil wells, and a "hole opener" will be employed to expand the well's diameter.

This innovative approach aims to address the storage and disposal of radioactive waste, a critical concern as the demand for nuclear power grows to support the construction of AI data centers and other energy-intensive facilities. The U.S. administration has committed to a fourfold increase in nuclear power by 2050, making the development of a permanent disposal solution imperative.