China has achieved a major milestone in the production of radioactive isotopes, paving the way for meeting the country’s internal needs. The Zinshan nuclear power plant has begun mass production of carbon-14, a substance crucial for scientific and medical purposes. Previously, China relied on imports for over 90% of its required medical isotopes, including carbon-14, from countries such as Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Russia.
A few days ago, the Qinshan nuclear power plant successfully launched the first commercial batch of carbon-14 from a nuclear reactor, equipped with Canadian technology. The annual production volume of carbon-14 is expected to be around 150 curi, effectively meeting the domestic market demand by the end of 2024. Carbon-14 is widely used for various applications, including detecting bacterial infections, water pollution, and dating ancient artifacts.
In addition to carbon-14, the Qinshan nuclear power plant is also manufacturing other valuable medical radionuclides such as Lutetium-177 and Yttrium-90, essential for diagnosing and treating oncological diseases. China’s strategic focus on enhancing its healthcare capabilities in the field of nuclear medicine is evident in the construction of a groundbreaking research reactor in Sichuan province earlier this year. This reactor is set to be the most powerful in the world and will facilitate the development of medical-grade radiolabels.
The achievement in localizing the production of radioactive isotopes is a result of a national plan formulated in 2021 by the PRC Atomic Energy State Corporation in collaboration with relevant ministries and research institutes. The program, aimed at reducing dependence on imported supplies, has delivered impressive outcomes in a short span of two to three years.