China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said on 26 April that unit 3 at the Qinshan NPP in Zhejiang province (a pressurised heavy water reactor) has begun the world’s first production of carbon-14 radioactive isotopes using a commercial reactor. The plant expects to start supplying carbon-14 radioactive isotopes to the market in 2024 and that its production capacity can fully meet domestic demand.
This will promote the building of a demonstration base for the commercial application of nuclear technology and the establishment of a stable supply system of isotopes for medical purposes, facilitate the development of the industrial chains of isotope production, and greatly contribute to public health, CNNC said. to Cao Shudong, vice-president of CNNC added that CNNC is committed to bolstering its independent capacity in the production of isotopes.
