Engineers at the NRG-operated nuclear reactor in Petten, Netherlands, recently discovered a bulge in a cooling system pipe, resulting in the reactor's shutdown and causing significant disruptions in the medical radioisotope supply chain. The Petten reactor is a crucial producer of molybdenum-99, essential for medical imaging, leading to the cancellation of thousands of patient appointments across the UK and the Netherlands. The shutdown coincided with another reactor's maintenance, compounding the issue and raising concerns about future shortages. While the reactor was restarted on November 4, officials are worried about potential future interruptions. Efforts are underway to increase production capabilities, including plans for a new reactor, PALLAS, expected to be operational around 2030. In the U.S., a new molybdenum-99 production facility, Chrysalis, is under construction, aiming to mitigate reliance on foreign sources and enhance supply stability. Experts emphasize the growing need for medical radioisotopes due to an aging population and increasing cancer diagnoses, highlighting the importance of securing future supplies.
Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:27:10 GMT | WIRED