CX-271091: Deep Isolation U.S. LLC - Scaling Up the Universal Canister System (UCS)

Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a triple-purpose canister for management of spent nuclear fuel from advanced reactors and high-level radioactive waste from nuclear recycling facilities, and integrates storage, transport, and disposal functions into a single system. Specifically, the project team will (1) develop conceptual and preliminary designs for the storage, handling, and repository systems, (2) characterize potential waste material, validate and document universal cannister system (UCS) design to effectively and safely contain materials, (3) submit an application for Nuclear Regulatory Commission certification for future use of the UCS for storage and transport of spent nuclear fuel, (4) design and develop architecture, handling infrastructure, and safety protocols for pilot borehole repository operations, (5) procure borehole and handling system components and UCS, (6) develop pilot test program protocols and implementation plan, (7) construct pilot borehole and associated infrastructure, (8) conduct initial non-radioactive test of subsurface placement and retrieval of UCS at pilot borehole site, validate test results, (9) conduct additional testing of surface transport and subsurface operations to verify long-term safety, function, and feasibility, (10) develop a final pilot plan to test full system operation from surface transport to subsurface repository and retrieval operations, (11) conduct final non-radioactive pilot test operations, validate performance, and apply needed adjustments or improvements, and (12) run final operation of full system to show proof of concept for next phase development. If successful, this project will result in a safe and economical disposal pathway for nuclear reactor and recycling waste, enabling nuclear energy production, ultimately reducing dependence on foreign energy imports, and thereby strengthening the U.S. energy supply.