Rauli Partanen
Director Deep Geological Repositories
Focus
Building government, community, and industry support for a multinational spent-fuel repository in Finland; shaping policy and regulatory pathways; and communicating the societal value of nuclear energy and long-term waste solutions.
Bio
Rauli Partanen is an award-winning Finnish science writer, energy analyst, and communicator who now leads DeepGEO’s government and community relations in Finland. As co-founder and CEO of the non-profit think-tank Think, he has helped policymakers and industry understand how advanced nuclear technologies can decarbonize heat, power, and transport.
Partanen’s publications include “The Case for Waste” (2024), a landmark report outlining commercial models for multinational spent-fuel repositories, and several acclaimed books such as The World After Cheap Oil and Climate Gamble, which earned Finland’s Science Book of the Year award.
At DeepGEO he is spearheading dialogue with Finnish legislators to revisit the current ban on foreign nuclear waste, while partnering with municipalities that could host an international repository. His approach blends rigorous analysis with clear, accessible communication – skills honed through years of advising governments, utilities, and energy start-ups on finance, policy, and public acceptance of nuclear power.
Experience
- Co-Founder & CEO, Think Atom (2018 – present): Heads a non-profit think-tank that researches and popularises nuclear-based decarbonization pathways across economic sectors.
- Independent Author, Analyst & Consultant (2012 – present): Produces award-winning books and reports, and advises governments, start-ups, and NGOs on nuclear policy, finance, and communications.
- Press Agent, Kuitukanava (2013 – 2020)
- Project Manager, Typotor Ltd (2001- 2010)
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing Communications & IT), Lahti Polytechnic, Finland (1996 – 2000)
Affiliations
- Co-Founder, Ecomodernist Society of Finland
- Contributor, Breakthrough Institute network of energy experts