Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 13, EDF and Framatome have announced the launch of a feasibility study to produce cobalt-60 (Co-60) for medical applications in one of EDF’s pressurised water reactors (PWR) in France. Co-60 is widely used to sterilize medical devices and in cancer treatment. Currently, most of the global supply is produced by irradiating naturally occurring cobalt-59 in Candu reactors in Canada, as well as facilities in Argentina, China, and South Korea. It is also generated in RBMK reactors and Russia’s BN-800 fast neutron reactor.

The agreement, signed during the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, involves inserting cobalt-59 capsules into the reactor without affecting its operation or primary electricity generation function. Framatome will manufacture the specialized irradiation devices at its European facilities. The first loading of demonstration capsules is scheduled for 2026, aiming to validate technical feasibility before 2030.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of EDF and Framatome to foster innovation, contribute actively to public health, and address the growing demand for cobalt-60 in Europe while ensuring highest standards of safety and quality,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Cédric Lewandowski, EDF Group Senior Executive Vice President for Nuclear and Thermal Generation, commented: “The production of cobalt-60 demonstrates the versatility of our nuclear reactors, which, beyond generating low-carbon electricity, can provide irradiation services. By supporting the sterilisation of medical devices, we reaffirm our fleet’s ongoing commitment to serving the public interest.”

Grégoire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome, added: “We are pleased to launch this study in collaboration with EDF, and proud to contribute to strengthening Europe’s medical sovereignty.” François Gauché, Vice President of Framatome Healthcare, highlighted: “Diversified, reliable, and sustainable supply chains are essential to meet the growing needs of the healthcare sector. Through this study, Framatome Healthcare will enhance its contribution to sterilising medical equipment and supporting cancer treatment.”

Framatome Healthcare was established in July 2021 to leverage the company’s nuclear expertise and longstanding commitment in nuclear medicine to advance medical products and services for healthcare. Framatome is owned by EDF Group (75.5%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (19.5%), and Assystem (5%).

EDF and Framatome’s initiative builds on previous collaborations. In December 2021, Framatome signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. utility Exelon Generation to explore the feasibility and economics of Co-60 production in PWRs for industrial and medical purposes, responding to growing long-term demand. Earlier in 2021, Westinghouse and EDF also signed an MoU on Co-60 production in selected EDF-operated PWRs in France.

This feasibility study highlights the potential of nuclear reactors to serve dual roles: generating low-carbon electricity while providing essential medical isotopes. The project aims to strengthen Europe’s self-sufficiency in medical isotopes and ensure reliable, safe, and sustainable supplies of Co-60 for sterilization and cancer treatment.