33 - Rod Baltzer: Deep Isolation and the Future of Nuclear Waste

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, UCAN Power welcomes Rod Baltzer, CEO of Deep Isolation, for an in‑depth discussion on how deep borehole technology could transform nuclear waste disposal in the United States. Baltzer explains why traditional mined repositories have struggled to deliver timely solutions and how Deep Isolation’s approach—placing nuclear waste deep underground in stable geologic formations—offers a faster, more flexible, and potentially more publicly acceptable alternative. The conversation explores the geological advantages of deep boreholes, the role of existing oil and gas technologies in monitoring and verification, and how deeper disposal expands the number of viable sites while reducing surface‑level impacts. The episode also highlights recent milestones, including ARPA‑E Scale Up funding and groundbreaking at Deep Isolation’s Texas demonstration site, marking a key step toward commercial deployment. Beyond technology, Baltzer discusses the importance of community trust, transparent monitoring, and the potential value of establishing an independent nuclear waste management organization outside the Department of Energy to accelerate progress. From policy implications to long‑term vision, this episode offers a clear look at how innovation, geology, and governance can converge to address one of nuclear energy’s most persistent challenges. www.ucanpower.org