Bruce Power has received approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to operate its on-site hot cell facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued leadership in the production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes.
The CNSC’s approval authorizes Bruce Power to use the facility to perform Target Carrier Removal (TCR), an important step in the production process for lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a medical isotope used in the treatment of prostate cancer and an increasing number of targeted therapies in precision medicine.
By bringing this capability to site, Bruce Power will further streamline isotope production, reduce transportation requirements, enhance worker safety, lower emissions and strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in medical isotope innovation.
Construction of the hot cell was completed earlier this year, through a Canadian collaboration involving Bruce Power, Kinectrics, Bird Construction and a broad cross-functional team from across Bruce Power’s operations, engineering, licensing, radiation protection, safety and business development organizations. The hot cell enables qualified operators to safely handle irradiated materials remotely while minimizing radiation exposure.
“This approval represents another transformational step in Bruce Power’s journey to improve lives through the production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes,” said James Scongack, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, Bruce Power. “With the hot cell now licensed and approved for operations, we are strengthening Ontario’s integrated isotope supply chain, increasing efficiency, and expanding our ability to deliver cancer-fighting medical isotopes to patients around the world. This achievement reflects years of innovation, collaboration and dedication from our employees, partners and regulators, and reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in isotope production.”
Bruce Power has been producing cobalt-60 since 1986, supplying isotopes used to sterilize approximately 30 per cent of the world’s single-use medical devices. The company began producing medical-grade cobalt-60 for cancer treatments in 2021 and became the first commercial nuclear power reactor in the world to produce lutetium-177 in 2022, using its Isotope Production System (IPS).
The new hot cell is part of a broader isotope production expansion effort at Bruce Power, which also includes an additional IPS in Unit 6.
“This achievement demonstrates how rural Ontario continues to lead in some of the world’s most advanced nuclear technologies,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce and Minister of Rural Affairs. “The approval for operation of Bruce Power’s hot cell, is not only an investment in our region’s economic future, but also a testament to the skilled workforce, strong communities and spirit of innovation that define Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.”
The project also supports Bruce Power’s groundbreaking partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation through Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, an isotope partnership that has generated stable revenues for the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation while supporting community priorities and economic development initiatives.
With regulatory approval now received, Bruce Power aims to begin hot cell commercial operations in September.
As global demand for precision medicine continues to grow, the licensed hot cell positions Ontario and Canada to play an even greater role in ensuring patients have access to the innovative therapies that depend on a secure and reliable isotope supply chain.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.