Nuclear Power Argentina signed with the French company Framatome an agreement to carry out a pre-feasibility study on the installation of systems for the production of short-lived radioisotopes, such as Lutetium-177, in the nuclear power plants operated by the Argentine company: Atucha I, Atucha II and Embalse.
Alberto Lamagnapresident of the national company, and Francois Gauchevice president of Framatome Healthcareled the signing ceremony, which took place at the Nucleoeléctrica headquarters in Buenos Aires. Both highlighted the good work of the teams, which made the agreement possible.
The study is expected to last one year and be completed in two stages, evaluating both the technical and economic feasibility of producing Lutetium-177a medical radioisotope used in a variety of life-saving cancer treatments.
“This agreement reaffirms our commitment to maximizing the country’s nuclear capabilities, expanding our work beyond electricity generation to promote the development of applications that add value to the nuclear industry’s production chain.”Lamagna highlighted after the signing. In addition, he highlighted the opportunities that the current global context provides for the incorporation of strategic partners, which provide new impetus in the implementation of innovative projects.
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Argentina’s nuclear sector has extensive experience in the commercial production of radioisotopes in nuclear plants. For decades, the Embalse Nuclear Power Plant has produced Cobalt-60an element used in medicine and industry worldwide.
“Framatome has worked with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina for decades to support the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of the Atucha I, Atucha II and Embalse nuclear reactors,” Gauche said.
“Nuclear technologies play a crucial role in modern healthcare, and we are delighted to expand our cooperation with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina through this valuable initiative,” he added.
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The production technology of radioisotopes patented by Framatome is already used to commercially produce Lutetium-177 at a CANDU plant in Canada, and a similar project is underway in Romania.
“Combining the experience of the French in the design and implementation of medical radioisotope production systems with the proven track record of Nuclear in the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors and the production of Cobalt-60this initiative is prepared for success,” they highlighted.
Source: Ambito
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