Bruce Power, Kinectrics unveil new hot cell used in expanding medical isotope production

Bruce Power is taking another step forward as a leader in medical isotope production with the completion of a new made-in-Canada hot cell, advancing Ontario’s plan to double medical isotope production by 2030.

The hot cell was manufactured by Kinectrics, a division of BWX Technologies Inc., and will be installed on-site at Bruce Power, expanding its isotope production and handling capabilities, while adding another vital tool in the fight against cancer.

Canada continues to punch above its weight as a global superpower in medical isotope production and innovation and the hot cell will allow Bruce Power to localize and streamline its process to ensure potentially life-saving treatments reach Canadians and patients around the world in a timely manner.

This made-in-Canada solution supports the world health-care community and drives the local and provincial economy by creating jobs and leveraging the local manufacturing supply chain. The hot cell was built by Kinectrics in Etobicoke and is scheduled to be shipped to the Bruce Power site in early 2026. Construction and testing will continue through the spring as the facility is prepared for future commissioning.

“This new hot cell represents an important step in our ability to further advance medical isotope supply right here on-site,” said James Scongack, chief operating officer and executive vice-president of Bruce Power. “By bringing this work closer to home, we can increase our supply chain efficiency and get cancer-fighting medical isotopes to the global market sooner.”

“At Kinectrics, we are proud to support Ontario’s leadership in medical isotope supply,” said John D’Angelo, chief nuclear officer of Kinectrics. “Building this custom hot cell is a significant engineering achievement and we look forward to seeing it installed and ready for use at the Bruce Power site.”

The hot cell is a fully shielded enclosure used to safely handle irradiated materials. Operators work from behind shielding, using mechanical manipulators that mirror their movements, allowing them to complete delicate tasks without direct exposure to radiation.

The facility is a key piece of infrastructure that brings more isotope supply chain capabilities to Ontario and supports Bruce Power’s growing role in global cancer-fighting isotope production.

Bruce Power became the first commercial nuclear operator in the world to produce Lutetium 177 in October of 2022, using the Isotope Production System (IPS) installed in Unit 7, which was developed with Isogen (a Kinectrics and Framatome company).

Targets irradiated in the IPS require removal of their carrier materials. Once transferred to the hot cell, operators use specialized cutting tools to remove the target carrier materials and extract the quartz ampule containing the irradiated Lutetium 177.

The work was previously performed outside of the Bruce Power site. The new hot cell will allow this work to be performed at Bruce Power, streamlining the supply chain. The ampule is then packaged and shipped directly to ITM in Munich, Germany, where it is processed to create targeted cancer therapies.

Bruce Power’s isotope program is supported through the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). Revenue generated through Lutetium 177 production supports SON community initiatives and reflects Bruce Power’s commitment to economic reconciliation.