Bruce Power has completed the construction of its on-site hot cell, which will play a critical role in supporting the production of lutetium-177, a cancer-fighting medical isotope used in the treatment of prostate cancer and a growing number of targeted therapies in the rapidly expanding field of precision medicine.
The facility was delivered through a Canadian collaboration of Bruce Power, Kinectrics and Bird Construction, alongside a broad cross-functional team from across Bruce Power’s operations, engineering, licensing, radiation protection, safety and project delivery organizations.
The structure incorporates more than 90,000 kilograms of concrete, a 7,000-kg personnel door and one of the largest lead-glass viewing windows of its kind, allowing operators to safely handle irradiated materials using precision manipulators
Bruce Power currently has an application before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to change the lutetium-177 production process to incorporate the use of the hot cell facility. Once licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the hot cell would allow Bruce Power to perform Target Carrier Removal (TCR) on site, an important step in preparing lutetium-177 for further processing into cancer therapies at off-site facilities. Bringing this capability to the Bruce site is expected to streamline logistics, reduce transportation requirements, improve worker safety, lower emissions and strengthen Ontario’s isotope production infrastructure.
“Today’s milestone represents the next chapter in Bruce Power’s leadership in producing cancer-fighting medical isotopes and demonstrates what can be achieved through Canadian innovation, expertise and partnership,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. “From the design and engineering work to construction and project execution, this facility showcases the strength of Ontario’s nuclear industry and supply chain. By bringing more of the isotope supply chain infrastructure and activities on site, we are creating a more efficient pathway to deliver cancer-fighting therapies to patients around the world while reinforcing Canada’s position as a global medical isotope superpower.”
Bruce Power has played a leading role in isotope production for decades. Since 1986, cobalt-60, used to sterilize approximately 30 per cent of the world’s single-use medical devices, has been produced at the Bruce site. Since 2021, Bruce Power has also produced medical-grade cobalt-60 used in radiation therapy treatments, and in 2022, the company’s Isotope Production System (IPS) became the first commercial nuclear power reactor in the world to produce lutetium-177.
The new hot cell further expands that leadership and supports future growth, including plans to expand isotope production capabilities through an additional IPS in Unit 6.
“Ontario is helping lead the world in producing the medical isotopes used to treat cancer, giving doctors more tools to care for the 247,000 Canadians diagnosed with the disease every year,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Bruce Power’s investment in a new on-site facility will accelerate the production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes and expedite supply to patients around the world. As someone whose family has been impacted by cancer, I am proud that Ontario’s nuclear advantage is helping improve patient care here at home and across the globe.”
The project also supports Bruce Power’s groundbreaking partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) 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 since 2022 while supporting community priorities and economic development initiatives. Recent investments through the partnership have helped enable continued investments in isotope infrastructure, including the new hot cell and isotope production systems.
“The completion of the hot cell reflects what is possible when Indigenous communities and industry work together with a shared vision for the future,” said Lester Anoquot, SON Councillor and member of the Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin LP oversight committee, who was SON Chief when the partnership was first established. “Through Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, Saugeen Ojibway Nation is helping build a globally significant isotope supply chain that brings healing to people around the world while creating lasting economic benefits for our communities and future generations.”
The hot cell was constructed at a central location on the Bruce Power site. With major construction complete, the project now moves into the licensing, commissioning and operational readiness phase.
“The completion of Bruce Power’s on-site hot cell is a significant milestone for Canada’s growing medical isotope sector and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration across Ontario’s nuclear industry,” said John D’Angelo, President, Kinectrics. “Kinectrics was proud to lead the design and engineering of this unique facility, bringing together specialized nuclear expertise to safely and efficiently support the production of lutetium-177. We are proud to continue our partnership with Bruce Power in advancing innovation that is making a meaningful difference in health care.”
As demand for precision medicine continues to grow around the world, the new facility positions Ontario and Canada to play an even larger role in the production of the medical isotopes that are helping transform cancer care and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
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.
