Bruce Power, a key player in Ontario’s energy landscape, generates almost one-third of the province’s power and is taking significant strides to expand its role in medical isotope production. The company announced its plans for a second isotope production system (IPS) to be installed at the CANDU Unit 6 reactor. Today’s action will dramatically increase the production of lutetium-177, a crucial medical isotope used in targeted cancer therapies.
Bruce Power’s Unit 6 is being refurbished to ensure continuous production of life-saving isotopes. Delivering on this commitment will bring tremendous benefit to the people of Canada and patients across the world. The problem The demand for medical isotopes, particularly Technetium 99m, is increasing exponentially. In reply, Ontario plans to double its production of medical isotopes by 2030. This will be a much-needed initiative, arriving just in time. The global market for medical isotopes is projected to skyrocket to nearly US$33 billion by 2031.
Lutetium-177 has played a vital role in treating many different cancers, particularly for neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. Over 40 million medical isotope procedures are conducted each year around the world for diagnostic and therapeutic uses. Bruce Power is enhancing its isotope production capabilities. This action ensures a robust supply for U.S.-based manufacturing and increases its attractiveness as an international export.
Bruce Power IPS expansion will create thousands of highly skilled available jobs. Additionally, it will create a robust investment environment in the area. The project is integral to Canada’s long term objective of being a Tier 1 nuclear country. Simultaneously, it seeks to expand the quality of healthcare delivered to each citizen.
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, expressed confidence in Canada’s role within the global landscape:
“Canada is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in both clean energy and life-saving medical technology. By supporting Bruce Power’s isotope production system, we are ensuring a stable supply of cancer-fighting isotopes for patients at home and around the world, while creating highly skilled jobs and an attractive investment ecosystem and strengthening Canada’s status as a Tier 1 nuclear nation.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, highlighted the critical nature of these innovations:
“Canada is proud to support research and development on medical isotopes, which are critical for diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. With this investment, we will continue to play a leading role in the global supply of medical isotopes and drive the creation of innovative health care treatments for Canadians.”
In this light, Ontario’s nuclear advantage becomes more than an energy generation asset, but an asset for delivering critical healthcare services. The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, remarked on the dual benefits of the initiative:
“Ontario’s nuclear advantage is about powering our economy by harnessing Canadian technology, built by Canadian workers. Almost one-third of Ontario’s power is generated at Bruce, and we are also proud to expand the production of life-saving isotopes 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 people around the world.”
The project at Bruce Power reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that medical isotopes play in modern medicine. Canada, for one, is working hard to boost domestic production capacity for their own healthcare needs. At the same time, it is laying the groundwork to be a leader in the emerging global medical isotope market.
