The recently completed Energy Entrepreneurs Fund project has elevated Deep Isolation’s technology readiness level from TRL 3 to TRL 6, reflecting substantial progress toward implementation. A central achievement of the initiative was the development of two prototype canisters designed to contain pressurized water reactor spent nuclear fuel, supporting all stages of dry storage, transportation, and final disposal.
Deep Isolation worked with key industry partners—including the UK Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, NAC International, and the University of Sheffield—to validate critical aspects of the technology. The project confirms the viability of deep borehole disposal and provides insights into its manufacturability and cost-effectiveness, essential factors for future deployment at scale.
A detailed assessment of the UK’s manufacturing capabilities identified potential supply chain constraints, particularly concerning the production of canister shells. The partners have proposed solutions aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
Collaboration played a pivotal role in this phase, with Charles Carpenter, Head of Research at AMRC’s Nuclear Manufacturing Group, emphasizing the project’s contribution to streamlining the supply chain. The initiative demonstrated both the scalability of Deep Isolation’s canister design and the feasibility of integrating domestic manufacturing resources to support large-scale deployment.
Beyond physical prototyping, Deep Isolation has made significant advances in modeling long-term disposal safety. By leveraging research on corrosion resistance and gas migration studies—supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy-funded SAVANT project—the company has further strengthened its case for the reliability of the disposal method.
The enhanced safety models reinforce Deep Isolation’s position that its technology provides a scalable and regulatory-compliant solution for nuclear waste containment. With 87 patents issued, the company applies established drilling techniques to isolate waste at great depths, utilizing horizontal, vertical, or slanted borehole repositories.
Following the fabrication of the second prototype in early 2025, further testing is planned to validate the performance of Deep Isolation’s canister design under real-world conditions. These ongoing assessments are expected to build confidence among regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders, paving the way for broader adoption of deep borehole disposal.
As the first company commercializing this approach, Deep Isolation’s progress represents a notable development for nations seeking viable pathways for nuclear waste management. The insights gained from this UK government-backed initiative may prove instrumental in transitioning from concept to practical implementation.
