Deep Fission Hires Rani Franovich to Lead Licensing Strategy for Underground Reactors
Deep Fission Inc., an innovative nuclear energy company focused on placing small modular reactors (SMRs) a mile underground, has announced the appointment of Rani Franovich as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. A highly respected authority in nuclear oversight and licensing, Rani joins the company with decades of experience to help drive Deep Fission’s ambitious goal: to commercialize deep geologic nuclear power and create a safer, faster, and more scalable energy future.
Deep Fission Inc., a pioneering company reshaping the nuclear energy industry by placing small modular reactors (SMRs) a mile underground, has announced the appointment of Rani Franovich as its new Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the company as it transitions from an innovative concept to the practical implementation of its groundbreaking vision for deep geologic nuclear power.
Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission, expressed her excitement over Franovich’s appointment, calling it a critical step in the company’s growth. “Rani’s appointment marks a major step forward as we move from innovation to implementation,” Muller said. “Her unmatched expertise and leadership at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will help us navigate the regulatory path with clarity and confidence — not just meeting expectations but helping to define what the future of nuclear regulation can look like.”
Franovich’s extensive experience in nuclear regulation makes her uniquely qualified to guide Deep Fission through the complex regulatory landscape. She spent 30 years at the NRC, serving in various senior roles and developing a deep understanding of the regulatory challenges and opportunities facing the nuclear energy sector. Her tenure included six years as a resident inspector at the Catawba Nuclear Station, one of the nation’s major nuclear power plants. Throughout her career, Franovich played a key role in shaping the NRC’s response to pivotal events, including the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident, which had a profound impact on nuclear safety and regulatory practices worldwide.
As a certified NRC inspector and a long-time advocate for risk-informed, performance-based regulation, Franovich has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize the country’s nuclear oversight. Her expertise has made her a trusted advisor to policymakers and energy companies looking to adapt regulatory frameworks to emerging technologies and industry changes.
“I’m thrilled to join Deep Fission at such an exciting and critical time,” said Franovich in response to her new role. “What drew me to this company is its unique, safety-first approach. Placing reactors a mile underground, surrounded by billions of tons of bedrock, fundamentally changes the conversation about nuclear risk. The natural geologic containment offers a level of inherent safety and simplicity, setting a new standard for the future of nuclear energy.”
Since leaving the NRC in 2021, Franovich has continued to contribute to the nuclear sector by advising federal agencies, state lawmakers, energy companies, and think tanks on nuclear policy and regulatory modernization. Her extensive knowledge of the regulatory process and her deep understanding of the industry’s complexities are invaluable assets as Deep Fission works to push the boundaries of nuclear technology.
Deep Fission’s mission is centered around revolutionizing energy generation with a technology that safely places small modular reactors deep underground. This innovative approach takes advantage of the Earth’s natural geological barriers, providing an unprecedented level of security and stability. The reactors are surrounded by billions of tons of bedrock, which acts as a natural containment system, reducing the potential for risk and enhancing the safety of nuclear energy generation.
The company’s safety-first approach is a key factor in Franovich’s decision to join the team. By leveraging deep geologic containment, Deep Fission is setting a new standard for nuclear safety, a critical consideration as the world looks for ways to address energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. The company’s technology offers a simple yet effective solution that ensures safe, sustainable, and reliable energy generation for the future.
Franovich’s appointment underscores Deep Fission’s accelerating progress toward commercializing its technology in the United States and beyond. The company is actively engaged with the NRC and other regulatory bodies as it works toward securing the necessary approvals for its innovative projects. With Franovich at the helm of regulatory affairs, Deep Fission is poised to navigate the complexities of the nuclear licensing process and bring its cutting-edge technology to market.
Deep Fission’s team consists of leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries who are dedicated to advancing safe, affordable, and low-carbon energy solutions. The company’s groundbreaking technology has the potential to transform the energy landscape by offering a safer, more scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional nuclear power.
The appointment of Rani Franovich represents a pivotal moment in Deep Fission’s journey as it prepares to commercialize its deep underground nuclear reactors. With Franovich’s guidance and leadership, the company is well-positioned to redefine the future of nuclear energy regulation and safety, helping to usher in a new era of clean and reliable power generation.
About Deep Fission
Deep Fission is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation, with a vision to revolutionize the energy sector by placing small modular reactors a mile underground. By leveraging natural geologic containment, Deep Fission offers a new standard of nuclear safety and efficiency. The company’s team of experts is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon energy solutions. Deep Fission is actively engaged with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is pursuing commercial projects worldwide, aiming to reshape the future of nuclear power.
