Hot Cells: the indispensable link between the PALLAS-reactor and the patient
The construction of the PALLAS-reactor in Petten is an important step toward a future-proof infrastructure for the reliable supply of medical isotopes. These radioactive substances form the basis for nuclear medicines used worldwide to diagnose and treat diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Every day, more than 30,000 patients rely on medical isotopes delivered from Petten.
Producing medical isotopes involves much more than irradiation in the reactor core. After materials have been irradiated, they need to be safely handled and prepared for further processing. This is where the Hot Cells come in. What makes the PALLAS design distinctive is that the reactor and Hot Cells are integrated within one facility. By connecting the different steps of the process as closely as possible, irradiated materials can move from the reactor pool through the Hot Cells towards further processing and shipping via a shorter, more efficient and safer route.
Working safely with radioactive materials
In the PALLAS-reactor, materials are irradiated with neutrons. This creates radioactive isotopes that are valuable for nuclear medicine.
Because of their high radioactivity immediately after irradiation, these materials cannot be handled directly by staff. Hot Cells are specially designed, heavily shielded rooms in which irradiated materials can be safely inspected, measured, processed and packaged. Equipment inside the Hot Cells is operated remotely, protecting staff from radiation.
“The Hot Cells are much more than just a safe workplace,” explains project manager Rob Emmelkamp. “They are an indispensable link in the production process of medical isotopes. Without these facilities, the irradiated products cannot be safely processed and prepared for further use.”
A unique integrated design
The integration of the Hot Cells into the PALLAS facility is an important feature of the reactor's design.
Emmelkamp: “While in other nuclear facilities, different steps of the processing might be spread across multiple locations or facilities, at PALLAS we connect these steps as much as possible within a single building. This creates a much shorter route from the reactor pool, through the Hot Cells, towards further processing and shipping.”
This integrated approach means radioactive materials need to be transferred between different facilities less often. It reduces logistical complexity and contributes to a safer and more efficient production process.
Moreover, speed is crucial: medical isotopes often have a short half-life and lose activity through radioactive decay. Reducing unnecessary handling and transport therefore helps make the best possible use of the isotopes produced for medical applications. The Hot Cells are also designed with future needs in mind. Their capacity and flexibility will support large production volumes while allowing the facility to respond to developments in nuclear medicine and emerging applications.”
From design to production
An important milestone was reached on 2 June 2026, when NRG PALLAS and FCC signed the agreement for the supply and installation of the Hot Cells for the PALLAS-reactor. Asturfeito, a specialized partner, is responsible for the production and delivery of the Hot Cells.
With this agreement, a new phase begins: the manufacturing of the Hot Cells, followed by installation and finally commissioning. Because the Hot Cells are directly integrated into the civil structure of the reactor building, their realization is closely linked to the ongoing construction of the PALLAS-reactor.
The Hot Cells demonstrate that producing medical isotopes involves much more than what happens inside the reactor core. By bringing irradiation, safe handling and subsequent processing together within an integrated facility, the PALLAS design creates an efficient route from reactor to patient. “With the production of the Hot Cells, we are taking another important step towards securing the future supply of these vital medical isotopes,” concludes Emmelkamp.
