Bruce Power is expanding its production of its cancer-fighting medical isotope.
The energy company hosted Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson on Tuesday as it announced the installation of Bruce Power’s Isotope Production System (IPS) in Unit 6.
Bruce Power will be making use of Candu technology to produce the medical isotope and comes after the company recently renewed a Master Services Agreement with Candu.
Unit 6, which was the first reactor to be renewed under Bruce Power’s life-extension program and major component replacement project and returned to service in 2023, will now be able to produce Lutetium-177, a cancer therapy isotope used across the globe.
It is used in radionuclide therapy, which us used to treat prostate cancer.
This comes as Unit 7, which was previously producing the isotope, was taken off-line for the major component replacement project until 2028.
While Unit 7 is offline, Unit 6 will ensure Bruce Power is supplying a constant stream of the isotope.
Hodgson says, “Almost 60 per cent of Ontario’s electricity comes from nuclear, and the sector employs more than 89,000 Canadians and adds $22 billion to our economy each year. In addition, 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.”
Bruce Power Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President James Scongack adds Canada is in a strong position to continue its role as a leader in isotope innovation.
“Considering the rising global demand for medical isotopes, Canada is building on its current capabilities, innovation and expertise,” says Scongack.