Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson (pictured above fourth from right) visited the site to announce the installation of an Isotope Production System in unit 6, which was the first unit to complete Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program and Major Component Replacement Project.
It will build on the success of the world’s first commercial nuclear reactor-based production of lutetium-177 in Unit 7, and ensure a stable supply when that unit is taken off-line for its scheduled Major Component Replacement outage in 2028.
Hodgson said: “Canadian Candu reactors produce a significant supply of the world’s medical isotopes and, with a new Isotope Production System in Unit 6, will ensure Canadian technology continues to be instrumental in the fight against cancer worldwide.”
Lutetium-177 is used in targeted radionuclide therapy to treat certain tumours and prostate cancer, with its precision enabling destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue and minimising side-effects.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said: “While almost one-third of Ontario’s power is generated at Bruce, we are proud to expand life-saving isotopes production at this world-class generating station. Ontario has an ambitious plan to double medical isotope production by 2030, driven in part by the expansion at Unit 6, enabling 24/7 production of cancer-fighting isotopes for Canadians and the world.”
The Isotope Production System technology was developed in partnership with Kinectrics Inc and Framatome Canada’s Isogen joint venture and uses Bruce Power’s Candu reactors to irradiate ytterbium-176, transforming it into lutetium-177 which is then processed and distributed to healthcare facilities around the world.
James Scongack (pictured second from right), Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, is also Chairman of the Canadian Nuclear Isotopes Council, which has a goal of doubling isotope production in Canada by 2030. He said: “Canada is in a strong position to meet further its position as a leader in isotope innovation.”
Part of the funding will come from the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, which supports the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) to expand their partnership with Bruce Power.
SON and Bruce Power set up the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership – it translates to Fighting Cancer Together – in 2019, to jointly market new medical isotopes while creating new economic opportunities within the SON territory by establishing new isotope infrastructure. Their partnership has expanded in step with the increasing output of the IPS, with production at the Unit 7 facility doubling during the nearly three years it has been in operation.
Darlene Johnston (pictured third from left), Chief, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, said: “This project will benefit people at home and abroad. It’s about healing, opportunity, and working together to make a difference.”
