Deep Isolation, Oklo and two national laboratories have validated this approach together
The goal was to verify the compatibility between the residues from Argonne’s electrorefining process and Deep Isolation’s deep boreholes. The results confirm this compatibility and pave a concrete path towards closing the metal fuel cycle. This process separates recoverable materials from ultimate residues, reducing their volume and radioactive lifespan. Additionally, Oklo announced the design of a recycling plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in August 2025, strengthening the need for a suitable storage solution for these specific wastes.
The company developed its Universal Canister System over three years, with funding from the US Department of Energy. With 99 patents filed to date, the company stands as the first to commercially develop this technology. In January 2019, they conducted the world’s first demonstration in front of forty observers from various countries, placing and retrieving a prototype container in a horizontal borehole. Since 2023, a large-scale demonstration center has been operating in Texas. However, a legal limit remains. Current US law does not yet allow borehole deposits for highly radioactive waste.
Why this technology could change global management of nuclear waste
In the United States, the estimated debt for not eliminating these residues was at least $37.6 billion in 2024. The Yucca Mountain project, considered for geological storage, remains blocked by political and legal opposition. Deep boreholes are built in less than two years. Their modularity allows for regional or on-site implantation. Their unit cost remains significantly lower than that of a mining shaft.
The technology interests beyond American borders. Deep Isolation claims to be able to adapt its solution to waste inventories from any country. For nations with low residue volumes, a single borehole could suffice to treat their entire stock. The potential market is estimated at $600 billion globally. If the law changes, 800 wells would be enough to treat the entire national stock of highly radioactive residues.
