Westinghouse, Nordion, and PSEG team up to produce Co‑60 in the United States
Westinghouse, Nordion, and PSEG are collaborating to produce cobalt-60 (Co-60) in the U.S. by 2029, addressing domestic demand for the medical isotope. Nordion, a Sotera Health subsidiary, is the global leader in Co-60 production. The project involves licensing, technology development, and integration with operations. Co-60 is crucial for sterilizing medical devices and enhancing food safety, with the U.S. currently relying on imports.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The collaboration could create a new domestic source of a critical medical isotope, affecting suppliers and users in the healthcare sector.
Market read
Introduces a new domestic supply chain for a high‑demand medical isotope, with potential upside for nuclear service providers.
What to watch
Potential competition from emerging accelerator‑based isotope production methods.
Background
The article outlines a multi‑year partnership to produce cobalt‑60 in U.S. pressurized‑water reactors, a first for the country.
Ticker impact
PSEG Nuclear submitted a license amendment request to the NRC to enable U.S. Co‑60 production in PWRs.
moderate upside for PEG as the project progresses
Regulatory approval may open a new revenue stream, but commercialization is years away.
Market effects
Could stimulate demand for nuclear fuel services and isotope production equipment.
Strengthens U.S. domestic supply chain for medical sterilization isotopes.
May reduce reliance on Canadian and Russian Co‑60 sources.
Counterpoint
Long development timeline and regulatory risk may delay any material revenue impact.
Key entities
- CompanyWestinghouse
Nuclear technology provider partnering in the Co‑60 project.
- CompanyNordion
Leading global Co‑60 producer, subsidiary of Sotera Health.
- CompanyPSEG Nuclear
Utility filing the NRC license amendment to enable Co‑60 production.
