US-based SHINE Technologies has been awarded $32m from the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA). This was additional to DOE/NNSA’s current cooperative agreement with SHINE to help establish a US-produced supply of molybdenum‑99 (Mo-99), without the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Mo-99 is extensively used in nuclear medicine.
The funds will aid in the ongoing construction of Chrysalis, SHINE’s large-scale, medical isotope facility in Janesville, Wisconsin. SHINE says that, on completion, Chrysalis will provide a sustainable, reliable source of Mo-99 for the US and satisfy more than one-third of the world’s demand. SHINE plans to produce Mo-99 commercially in early 2027.
Current Mo-99 production is limited to only a handful of government-owned nuclear research reactors located abroad. Because of Mo-99’s short half-life, about one-third of the product is lost during cross-continental transportation. SHINE’s domestic production capabilities will provide a reliable supply chain to address chronic shortages. “By creating a modern source of neutrons, we’re helping solve critical isotope supply challenges here and now with a more sustainable platform for the long-term,” said Greg Piefer, founder and CEO of SHINE.
DOE/NNSA awarded the cooperative agreement to SHINE in 2021 through a competitive process under a Funding Opportunity Announcement. The agreement is implemented under a 50%-50% cost-sharing arrangement between SHINE and DOE/NNSA. The additional funding brings the total to $74m. Since 2010, the DOE/NNSA has awarded SHINE a total of $114m towards this project.
