The Welsh government has announced plans for a national nuclear medicine laboratory in north Wales.
The plans are to make Wales a global centre of excellence and the leading location for medical radioisotope production in the UK.
Project ARTHUR would create a public sector national laboratory for the supply of medical radioisotopes which are used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Much of the equipment in facilities across the UK and Europe that produce the substances are coming to the end of their productive life and being closed. It is anticipated that, as a result, by 2030, there may be no medical radioisotopes in the UK.
The Project ARTHUR facility in North Wales will be a public sector national laboratory with its own nuclear reactor. It would produce medical radioisotopes and supply them to NHS Wales and the other National Health Services in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It is also anticipated to stimulate the north Wales economy by attracting highly skilled jobs and industry, creating a surrounding infrastructure, building local supply chains, and supporting local communities.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: "Today, I am pleased to set out a clear ambition for creating another major technological cluster here in Wales, while also tackling a fast-approaching crisis for medical treatment right around the world.
"Our vision is the creation of project ARTHUR - a world-leading nuclear medicine facility, which will bring together a critical mass of nuclear science research, development, and innovation.
"Through this development, not only can Wales become the leading place in the UK for medical radioisotope production – producing life-saving medical radioisotopes that are critical to cancer diagnosis and treatment – but we can also attract higher skilled jobs, create a surrounding infrastructure, support local communities, and build local supply chains.
"This project will be vital in helping us deliver on our commitments to creating a healthier and more prosperous Wales, by creating the opportunities people need to make their futures here in Wales."
