TEXAS/HALDEN – The Deep Borehole Demonstration Center (DBD Center) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew (Andy) Griffith as its new Executive Director. Griffith brings more than 40 years of experience in nuclear energy, having held significant positions in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Battelle.

Griffith currently leads a team at Battelle that supports the U.S. Army’s exploration of microreactor technology and other related opportunities. Prior to his role at Battelle, he retired from the DOE in 2023, where he most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain at the Office of Nuclear Energy.  In this capacity, Griffith led the DOE’s efforts in research, development, and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies aimed at improving fuel utilization and energy generation while reducing waste generation and limiting proliferation risk. He also played a crucial role in developing the nuclear fuel supply needed for the deployment of advanced reactors in the United States.

The DBD Center was established in December 2022 as a not-for-profit independent organization to advance global knowledge on the use of deep borehole disposal for the safe geological disposal of radioactive waste. The Center organizes scientific demonstration projects sponsored by governmental and non-governmental organizations to accelerate the global adoption of this technology.

In his new role as Executive Director, Griffith will be responsible for developing and overseeing the delivery of the Deep Borehole Demonstration Program, driving the recruitment of program and project sponsors, representing and advocating for the DBD Center within the U.S. and international nuclear organizations, and ensuring transparent and inclusive governance for the program.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Andy Griffith as the new Executive Director of the DBD Center,” one of the DBD Center’s Board member Richard Esposito stated.  “His extensive experience in the nuclear energy sector renders him an exceptional leader to oversee the Center’s mission of advancing deep borehole disposal technology. We are confident that under his guidance, the DBD Center will continue to make significant strides in demonstrating and promoting safe geological disposal solutions for radioactive waste.”

Concurrent with his position as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Griffith served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, overseeing the DOE’s entire nuclear energy portfolio from February 2022 to May 2022. Throughout his tenure at the DOE, he held various leadership roles supporting nuclear energy waste management, facility operations, security, and technology research missions. Before joining the DOE, Griffith served in the U.S. nuclear submarine force and continued his service in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Captain in 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science in Technology Management from the University of Maryland, University College.

For more information, please contact: info@deepboreholedemo.org

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About the Deep Borehole Demonstration Center
The nonprofit Deep Borehole Demonstration Center was established to provide interested entities and governments. The nonprofit Deep Borehole Demonstration Center was established to provide interested entities and governments worldwide with an independent organization through which to commission projects that characterize and advance the technical readiness of deep borehole nuclear waste disposal technologies.

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