Argentina’s reactor technology start-up Nuclearis has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with US-based DeepGEO to investigate innovative solutions for the management and disposal of used nuclear fuel.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Nuclearis, who have demonstrated clear nuclear industry leadership in considering not only their technology but the full nuclear fuel cycle,” said Link Murray, President of DeepGEO. “An innovative nuclear sector needs innovative waste solutions. We are committed to working with all forward-thinking technology and project developers to help make the advanced nuclear future a reality.”
Nuclearis CEO Santiago Badran said the partnership “is a pivotal move in solving one of the nuclear industry’s most pressing challenges – responsible management of used fuel”. He added: “By working together, Nuclearis and DeepGEO are advancing not only safe and efficient energy generation but also ensuring long-term environmental stewardship. This collaboration represents a crucial step towards sustainable nuclear energy.”
Under the terms of the MOU, the companies agree to evaluate the integration of DeepGEO’s multinational services as a solution for any wastes generated by Nuclearis’s microreactor (MNR) technologies, and will address technical, legal, regulatory, and financial challenges that may prevent the use of MNRs for this purpose.
They will also share information and jointly collaborate to promote nuclear energy adoption in emerging markets, and particularly in Africa. Nuclearis is developing pressurised water reactors at the microreactor scale to provide electricity and heating for industrial applications such as hydrogen production.
The reactor design currently under development is expected to be constructed underground and operate without refuelling for at least 20 years. At the end of its operational life, the reactor vessel transitions to a decay pool and dry storage solution, eliminating the need for external handling of used fuel.
DeepGEO is currently the only global enterprise seeking to establish MNRs on a commercial basis. The company is making strong progress, and in March last year signed a partnership agreement with the African Commission on Nuclear Energy. In November 2024, it signed a similar agreement with advanced reactor technology developer Copenhagen Atomics.
