A strategy for intensive production of molybdenum-99 isotopes for nuclear medicine using CANDU reactors

► Use of CANDU for production of 99Mo isotopes for medical use was shown to be viable. ► Periphery low power and central high power channel designs were investigated. ► The periphery design can satisfy 113% of demand with 4 bundles from 6 channels. ► The high power design can satisfy 89% of demand with 2 bundles from 3 channels. ► Economic challenges (fueling, facility and handling) need cost evaluation.