The Department of Energy perspective on energy perspective on isotope production in the United States

The Department of Energy will continue to deliver isotope goods and services that contribute to health, well-being, and quality of life. In cooperation with its customers, stakeholders, and the public, the department has established an isotope policy that addresses the two distinct parallel needs associated with isotope availability: the need to support the research and development community with isotopes for which there are no other reliable supplies; and the need to assure a reliable and competitive supply of isotopes for which a infrastructure and market have been developed. In the face of many challenges the department's isotope program is actively pursing a course which will provide isotope customers a reliable supply at the least cost. Operating efficiency is being improved though process improvement initiatives, upgrading facilities, dual site production, and seeking to remove the uncertainty from production costs. These factors may cause some upward impact on isotope costs, but will provide better products and services to the customers