Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 21, Bruce Power, located in Ontario, Canada, has installed a new Isotope Production System (IPS) in its Unit 6 reactor to boost the supply of lutetium-177, a medical isotope used to treat certain tumors and prostate cancer. The announcement was made during a site visit by Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighting the completion of Unit 6’s Life-Extension Program and Major Component Replacement Project.

The new system builds on the success of Unit 7, the world’s first commercial nuclear reactor to produce lutetium-177, ensuring a stable supply when Unit 7 undergoes its scheduled maintenance in 2028. Hodgson stated: “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 enables precise radionuclide therapy, targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue and reducing side effects. The IPS, developed with Kinectrics Inc. and Framatome Canada’s Isogen joint venture, uses Bruce Power’s Candu reactors to irradiate ytterbium-176, transforming it into lutetium-177 for global healthcare distribution.

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.”

James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Canadian Nuclear Isotopes Council, noted: “Canada is in a strong position to meet further its position as a leader in isotope innovation.” The initiative aligns with Canada’s goal to double isotope production by 2030, supported by funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, which also aids the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) in expanding their partnership with Bruce Power.

The Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership, meaning “Fighting Cancer Together,” was established in 2019 between SON and Bruce Power to market medical isotopes and create economic opportunities in SON territory. Darlene Johnston, Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, stated: “This project will benefit people at home and abroad. It’s about healing, opportunity, and working together to make a difference.”

The Unit 6 IPS strengthens Canada’s role in global medical isotope production, supporting advanced cancer treatments and fostering economic growth through innovative partnerships.