On 14 December 2024, irradiation tests of isotope production targets in heavy water reactors were successfully conducted at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant (QNPP). This achievement means that QNPP now has the capability to conduct irradiation tests for various radioisotopes, such as yttrium-90, in heavy water reactors. This marks the establishment of China's first isotope research and development system in commercial nuclear reactors.

The system has enabled the R&D and production of short-half-life medical isotopes in commercial reactors, opening up a new way for medical isotope localization and radiopharmaceutical development. It features the ability to automatically handle target materials for isotope production on-line. Combined with the high neutron flux and long stable operation time of the heavy water reactors, the system can support medical isotope R&D and small batch production in a stable and flexible manner over a long period of time.

(Source: China National Nuclear Corporation)