We often talk about nuclear power in the context of its ability to produce reliable, carbon-free electricity around the clock. We sometimes forget about some of the other truly amazing things nuclear technology can do, such as producing medical isotopes.

The production of medical isotopes is life-saving technology. And the world has faced the possibility of a shortage of these critical isotopes that doctors use to diagnosis and treat cancer.

Bruce Power, already a world leader in producing medical isotopes, decided to expand its capabilities with a new Isotope Production System.

Installation of the new system started late last year, and hot commissioning is in progress. Today Bruce Power Unit 7 is the first commercial power reactor to produce the cancer treating isotope Lutetium-177, which is a therapeutic isotope for treating neuroendocrine tumors with future applications for prostate and breast cancer.

The new Isotope Production System installed at and operated by Bruce Power is a game changer for the global medical isotope supply chain. As a commercial power reactor, it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with injection and harvesting of the isotopes performed while the reactor is at power.

Top Innovative Practice (TIP) Awards: These awards highlight the nuclear industry’s most innovative techniques and ideas. They promote the sharing of fresh ideas and best practices, and consequently improve safety, work processes and the competitive position of the industry.

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