Deep Isolation Nuclear Wins ARPA-E Award to Advance Nuclear Waste Disposal

SCALEUP program to support commercial pilot of Universal Canister System and deep borehole disposal in Texas

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and technological innovation behind deep borehole nuclear waste disposal.A pioneering project to develop a comprehensive, commercial-ready solution for safely and permanently disposing of nuclear waste through deep borehole technology.Cameron Today

Deep Isolation Nuclear, a leading innovator in nuclear waste disposal technology, has been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E SCALEUP Ready program. The $40 million award will enable full-scale field testing of Deep Isolation's Universal Canister System (UCS), including regulatory validation and demonstration of deep borehole disposal using a nonradioactive Commercial Pilot in Cameron, Texas.

Why it matters

The UCS SCALEUP project advances critical national priorities, supporting Executive Order 14302 to strengthen U.S. nuclear energy leadership and develop permanent solutions for spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste. The project directly aligns with ARPA-E's mission to improve radioactive waste management and maintain U.S. technological leadership in advanced energy technologies.

The details

The project brings together a world-class team including Westinghouse, NAC International, Halliburton, Occlusion Nuclear Solutions, Amentum, and the Deep Borehole Demonstration Center. Westinghouse will work with Deep Isolation to secure certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enable the UCS to store and transport spent fuel from its eVinci microreactor. Halliburton will lead borehole construction, Occlusion will manage subsurface operations, NAC will lead UCS fabrication and licensing, and Amentum will oversee operational safety and quality assurance.

  • The SCALEUP program award was announced on April 7, 2026.

The players

Deep Isolation

A leading innovator in nuclear waste disposal technology that is developing technologies for nuclear waste disposal in deep boreholes.

Westinghouse

A launch customer that will work with Deep Isolation to secure certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enable the UCS to store and transport spent fuel from its eVinci microreactor.

Halliburton

A company that will lead borehole construction for the Deep Isolation project.

Occlusion Nuclear Solutions

A company that will manage subsurface operations for the Deep Isolation project.

Amentum

A company that will oversee operational safety and quality assurance for the Deep Isolation project, ensuring the system is ready for commercial deployment.

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What they’re saying

“Being selected for this award is the single biggest milestone in Deep Isolation's history. It validates years of pioneering work on the Universal Canister System and positions us to deliver the world's first full-scale, end-to-end, commercial-ready deep borehole disposal solution. We are creating a deployable, regulatory-approved system that will transform how the world manages nuclear waste safely, efficiently, and permanently.”

— Rod Baltzer, President and CEO at Deep Isolation

“The integration of UCS with our eVinci™ microreactor technology provides a comprehensive solution for managing spent nuclear fuel through its entire lifecycle. This partnership showcases the impact of innovation, where we are merging our next-generation nuclear technology with a reliable, economical and adaptable method for handling nuclear waste. The Commercial Pilot will generate valuable insights which will set the stage for wider adoption and global confidence in advanced nuclear solutions.”

— Dr. Lou Martinez Sancho, Westinghouse Chief Technology Officer

“Deep boreholes have long been considered a promising solution for spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste disposal. Amentum is excited to work with Deep Isolation and its collaborators to move this concept toward commercialization and turn it into a practical reality.”

— Mark Whitney, President Energy & Environment at Amentum

What’s next

The SCALEUP program will enable full-scale field testing of the Universal Canister System, including regulatory validation and demonstration of deep borehole disposal using a nonradioactive Commercial Pilot in Cameron, Texas.

The takeaway

This award represents a major milestone for Deep Isolation and the advancement of deep borehole disposal as a safe, efficient, and permanent solution for managing nuclear waste. The project's integration of cutting-edge nuclear technology and waste management systems positions the U.S. as a global leader in developing innovative solutions to address the nuclear industry's most pressing challenges.