Westinghouse, PSEG to Produce Cobalt-60 in US Reactors, Diversifying Supply

Event summary

  • Westinghouse, Nordion, and PSEG have established long-term commercial agreements to produce Cobalt-60 at PSEG’s Salem Nuclear Generating Station.
  • The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently reviewing a License Amendment Request (LAR) for the project.
  • Implementation is targeted for 2026, contingent on NRC approval and operational schedules.
  • This marks the first commercial-scale Cobalt-60 production in U.S. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs).

The big picture

The initiative addresses a critical vulnerability in the Cobalt-60 supply chain, which is essential for medical device sterilization, cancer treatment, and food safety. Currently, the US relies heavily on foreign sources for this isotope. By establishing domestic production within existing nuclear infrastructure, Westinghouse, Nordion, and PSEG are aiming to bolster national security and reduce reliance on potentially unstable international suppliers. This also represents a strategic expansion for nuclear power plants, demonstrating their versatility beyond electricity generation.

What we're watching

Regulatory Risk
The success of the project hinges on timely NRC approval, which could be delayed by ongoing reviews or policy shifts impacting nuclear energy expansion.
Scalability
The ability to replicate this technology across the global PWR fleet, representing over 70% of commercial reactors, will determine the long-term impact on Cobalt-60 supply.
Demand Dynamics
Increased demand for Cobalt-60, coupled with challenges facing accelerator-based irradiation technology, will test the capacity of this new production method to meet market needs.

Related topics

Regulatory Approval Medical Devices