Strategic agreements for US cobalt-60 supply chain

The three companies have entered into long-term agreements to implement newly developed cobalt-60 (Co-60) production technology for pressurised water reactors (PWRs) at units 1 and 2 of PSEG's Salem nuclear power plant in New Jersey, with Co-60 planned to be supplied to Nordion. They also announced that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is reviewing PSEG's Licence Amendment Request. The partners are targeting implementation of the technology in 2026, subject to NRC authorisation and plant operating schedules.

"The successful implementation of this technology at Salem will lay the groundwork for broader deployment across the global PWR fleet, which makes up more than 70% of the world's commercial reactors, and will help anchor a scalable, resilient cobalt-60 supply network," Westinghouse said. "The first commercial-scale implementation of cobalt-60 production in PWRs signals a transformative step toward a secure, diversified domestic cobalt-60 supply."

Most of the world's supply of Co-60 is produced by irradiation of naturally occurring cobalt-59 in Candu reactors, mainly in Canada but also in Argentina, China and South Korea. It is also produced in RBMK reactors and the BN-800 fast neutron reactor in Russia.

Co-60 is used to sterilise around 40% of the world's single-use medical devices, including syringes, catheters, IV sets, surgical gloves and gauze used in a wide range of health care applications. It is also used in cancer treatment.

"Creating a robust domestic source of cobalt-60 builds on our longstanding ability to ensure reliability of supply for our customers," said Riaz Bandali, President of Nordion, a subsidiary of Sotera Health. "Our collaboration with Westinghouse and PSEG comes at a critical time as demand for cobalt-60 is increasing while accelerator-based irradiation technology is facing significant challenges in deployment and adoption."

"PSEG is proud to participate in a project that highlights the versatility and value of nuclear energy," said Charles McFeaters, President and Chief Nuclear Officer at PSEG Nuclear. "Producing cobalt-60 at the Salem nuclear generating station while providing safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity showcases innovative opportunities for nuclear energy and an important new role in strengthening global healthcare."

Sophie Lemaire, interim co-president of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel, added: "Deploying cobalt-60 production technology into pressurised water reactors marks a significant milestone, extending cobalt-60 production to a new reactor platform for the first time. This advancement strengthens global supply and demonstrates how commercial nuclear energy can support critical healthcare infrastructure."

EDF and Framatome announced in November last year the launch of a feasibility study aimed at producing cobalt-60 in one of EDF's nuclear reactors. The companies plan to insert capsules containing cobalt-59 in a PWR in France. Framatome will manufacture the specialised irradiation devices at its European facilities. A first loading of demonstration capsules is scheduled for 2026, with the goal of validating technical feasibility before 2030.

In December 2021, Framatome signed a memorandum of understanding with US utility Exelon Generation to cooperate on technology development and assess the feasibility and economics of Co-60 production in PWR reactors. Earlier in 2021, Westinghouse and EDF signed an MoU on the production of Co-60 in selected PWRs owned and operated by EDF in France.