Westinghouse, Nordion, and PSEG Reach Key Milestones to Launch First-Ever Production of Cobalt-60 in U.S. Pressurized Water Reactors

Strategic agreements pave the way for a reliable and scalable domestic Cobalt-60 supply chain in the United States

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westinghouse Electric Company, Nordion (Canada) Inc., a Sotera Health company, and PSEG Nuclear LLC today announced key milestones in their joint initiative to establish the first commercial-scale production of Cobalt-60 in U.S. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs).

Cobalt-60 is a critical isotope used to sterilize more than 16 billion single-use medical devices each year in the United States, deliver life-saving cancer treatments through stereotactic radiosurgery, and enhance food safety through irradiation. The first commercial-scale implementation of Cobalt-60 production in PWRs signals a transformative step toward a secure, diversified domestic Cobalt-60 supply.

Milestone achievements include:

• Long-term Commercial Agreements Supporting Deployment at PSEG’s Salem Nuclear Generating Station – Westinghouse, Nordion and PSEG have entered into long-term agreements to implement newly developed Cobalt-60 production technology for PWRs at PSEG’s Salem nuclear generating station (Units 1 and 2) in New Jersey, with Cobalt-60 planned to be supplied to Nordion.
• NRC Review Underway; Parties Target 2026 Implementation – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is reviewing PSEG’s License Amendment Request (LAR). The parties are targeting implementation of the technology in 2026, subject to NRC authorization and plant operating schedules.

“Creating a robust domestic source of Cobalt-60 builds on our longstanding ability to ensure reliability of supply for our customers,” said Riaz Bandali, President of Nordion. “Our collaboration with Westinghouse and PSEG comes at a critical time as demand for Cobalt-60 is increasing while accelerator-based irradiation technology is facing significant challenges in deployment and adoption.”

“PSEG is proud to participate in a project that highlights the versatility and value of nuclear energy,” said Charles McFeaters, President and Chief Nuclear Officer at PSEG Nuclear. “Producing Cobalt-60 at the Salem nuclear generating station while providing safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity showcases innovative opportunities for nuclear energy and an important new role in strengthening global healthcare.”

“Deploying Cobalt-60 production technology into pressurized water reactors marks a significant milestone, extending Cobalt-60 production to a new reactor platform for the first time,” said Sophie Lemaire, Interim Co-President of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel. “This advancement strengthens global supply and demonstrates how commercial nuclear energy can support critical healthcare infrastructure.”

The successful implementation of this technology at Salem will lay the groundwork for broader deployment across the global PWR fleet, which makes up more than 70% of the world’s commercial reactors, and will help anchor a scalable, resilient Cobalt-60 supply network.

About Westinghouse Electric Company

Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear technologies to utilities around the world. The company’s technology is the basis for nearly half of the world’s operating nuclear plants. With over 135 years of innovation, Westinghouse is the preferred partner for advanced nuclear energy solutions. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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About Nordion

Nordion, a Sotera Health company, is a leading provider of medical gamma technologies used for the prevention and treatment of disease and infection. Nordion’s products are used daily by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and research laboratories. Nordion supplies products to more than 40 countries and is committed to Safeguarding Global Health®. Learn more at www.nordion.com.

Media Contact: Paul Monlezun | +1 613‑222‑7184 | [e-mail]

About PSEG Nuclear LLC

PSEG Nuclear LLC, a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), operates the Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations in Lower Alloways Creek, New Jersey. The Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating stations produce more than 40% of the electricity generated in New Jersey approximately 85% of New Jersey's carbon-free generation. The plants, and their more than 1,600 employees, help keep electricity rates affordable and support reliability of the grid.

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