December 23, 2021 – Framatome and Exelon Generation announced today the signature of a memorandum of understanding to develop solutions to produce Cobalt-60 in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) operated by Exelon Generation.
Cobalt-60 is a radioisotope produced in nuclear reactors out of natural element Cobalt-59. It plays a critical role in healthcare applications such as sterilization of medical devices and treatment of certain cancers.
“With a decades-long commitment to radioisotope production for cancer treatment, we understand the need for diversified, reliable and sustainable supply chains to deliver market and society expectations,” said François Gauché, director of Framatome Healthcare. “With this partnership we want to expand our support for critical surgical equipment sterilization and cancer treatment at medical facilities globally.”
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.
“Exelon Generation and Framatome have been long-standing partners and we are proud to continue to bring together cost-efficient and reliable solutions from the nuclear industry to also support the development of critical supplies in the healthcare sector,” said Frédéric Lelièvre, senior executive vice president of Sales, Regional Platforms and I&C Business Unit at Framatome.
“We produce the most carbon-free energy in the U.S., yet that is just one part of our commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance values,” said Dave Rhoades, chief nuclear officer, Exelon Generation. “Today’s announcement combines our ESG commitment with our drive to find innovative solutions that benefit the greater good, including utilizing Cobalt-60 to save lives.”
Framatome Healthcare, the new member of the Framatome brand family, is committed to developing products and services for the healthcare industry. Its team supports the value chain for the radioisotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes, supplies special alloys for the development of surgical implants and prostheses, and provides advanced solutions for complex sterilization facilities essential for the use of medical materials. Framatome Healthcare’s experts advance cancer-fighting treatments and medical applications of nuclear technology.
Exelon Generation operates the largest U.S. fleet of zero-carbon nuclear plants with more than 18,700 megawatts from 21 reactors at 12 facilities in Illinois, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. Exelon Generation sets the standard for world-class power plant operations that produce clean, safe, reliable electricity, and is an active partner and economic engine in the communities it serves by providing jobs, charitable contributions and tax payments that help towns and regions grow.
