Strategic agreements pave the way for a reliable and scalable domestic Cobalt-60 supply chain in the United States
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – Jan. 27, 2026 – 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).
Pictured during the recent signing of a long-term commercial agreement with PSEG to deploy newly developed Cobalt-60 production technology developed by Westinghouse and Nordion are (seated, from left): David Sharbaugh, Site Vice President, PSEG Salem Plant, and Jeff Bradfute, Westinghouse Senior Vice President, Americas PWR Fuel, and (standing, from left): Rob DeNight Jr., Vice President of Nuclear Engineering, PSEG Nuclear LLC; Adam Neuman, Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 94 NJ ; David Scott, Nuclear Business Agent, IBEW Local 94 NJ; and Charles McFeaters, President and Chief Nuclear Officer, PSEG Nuclear LLC.
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.”
Jeff Bradfute, Senior Vice President, Americas PWR Fuel, and Riaz Bandali, President, Nordion (Canada) Inc.
“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.
Header photo: Senior leaders from Nordion, PSEG and Westinghouse who attended the signing ceremony.
