Framatome and Exelon Signed A MoU To Strengthen Cobalt-60 Production

Framatome (ENS Corporate Member) and Exelon Generation recently announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding to develop solutions to produce Cobalt-60 in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) operated by Exelon Generation in the US.

Cobalt-60 is a radioisotope produced in nuclear reactors out of natural element Cobalt-59. It plays a critical role in the safety of medical devices and reduces pathogens in other products, as well as in the treatment of certain brain cancers.

Under this MoU, the two companies will cooperate on technology development and assess the feasibility and economics of Cobalt-60 production in PWR reactors for industrial and medical purposes as long-term demand continues to grow.

Read the full Framatome Press Release.

 

Due to the critical role of Cobalt-60 and the need of guaranteeing its long-term supply, several companies are signing and developing projects to produce this radioisotope, as other ENS Members like Westinghouse and EDF did at the last World Nuclear Exhibition.