Deep Isolation Announces Memorandum of Agreement with Bechtel
Deep Isolation, Inc. and Bechtel National, Inc. have announced a cooperative agreement on sales, product development, and the deployment of Deep Isolation's patented technology.
BERKELEY, Calif., June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Deep Isolation, Inc., a leading innovator in nuclear waste disposal solutions, and Bechtel National, Inc., part of the largest engineering and construction company in the U.S., have announced a cooperative agreement on sales, product development, and the deployment of Deep Isolation's patented technology.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) strengthens the relationship between Deep Isolation and Bechtel that has been built over the past year.
Elizabeth Muller, CEO of Deep Isolation, notes, "Bechtel was the first major industry player that understood the significance of what Deep Isolation is doing. They appreciate the importance of innovation and urgency in solving the nuclear waste problem. We are excited that this MOA will solidify our existing relationship and lead to new opportunities for us to explore together."
Under this agreement, Bechtel will provide support such as project management, financial/business and engineering capability for Deep Isolation's sales in both domestic and international markets, including those with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Deep Isolation will provide options to support Bechtel's cleanup work at federal government sites around the country. Deep Isolation could also be a key player in Bechtel's decommissioning contracts at commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S. and worldwide.
James Taylor, general manager of Bechtel's Environmental business line, said, "Deep geologic disposal is the scientific consensus for permanently removing and disposing used nuclear fuel and high-level waste from their current locations around the country. We have long-term expertise in design, engineering and licensing, as well as the boots-on-the-ground experience with the everyday challenges of cleaning up radioactive waste. Bechtel is proud to support such an innovative technology that offers an alternative solution for safe, retrievable disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level waste."
Globally, there are roughly 450,000 metric tons of nuclear waste that have accumulated, and there is currently no operating disposal solution for commercial used nuclear fuel or high-level waste. Implementing a state-of-the-art technical solution, which is the goal of the MOA, would address one component of the challenge.
Another major challenge for nuclear waste disposal is locating an acceptable site. Deep Isolation is prepared and looks forward to engaging with local communities and stakeholders to create an opportunity that is beneficial to all. Deep Isolation believes that genuine partnerships for collaborative problem solving are the means to success. "Because we are talking to stakeholders early, we are able to incorporate their feedback and suggestions into our plans. We believe in early engagement, genuine listening and honest transparency. We are committed to these values even as our company grows and we develop partnerships for delivery," states Muller.
The MOA with Bechtel will help build capability for Deep Isolation to deliver its solution in countries that are interested in a deep horizontal drillhole disposal option. "We have the horsepower of Bechtel behind us. Deep Isolation is now well positioned to deploy its solution globally," says Rod Baltzer, COO of Deep Isolation.
About Deep Isolation
Berkeley-based Deep Isolation is a leading innovator in nuclear waste disposal. Founded through a passion for environmental stewardship, scientific ingenuity and entrepreneurship, Deep Isolation has developed a patented solution using directional drilling in order to safely secure nuclear waste deep underground.
About Bechtel
Headquartered in Virginia, Bechtel is a global engineering, construction and project management company that has worked with industry and governments worldwide to deliver more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries. It serves the infrastructure; nuclear, security & environmental; oil, gas & chemicals; and mining & metals markets. Bechtel led the scientific characterization, engineering and licensing efforts for the U.S. Department of Energy's national repository program at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as well as completed the engineering and design of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico for the disposal of defense-generated transuranic waste.
SOURCE Deep Isolation
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