Bruce Power and Nordian are building on their position as one of the largest suppliers of cobalt-60. The two companies are working on increasing their production of the medical isotope to meet the increasing demands of the world market.
The companies will increase the amount of cobalt-60 Bruce Power is able to produce in its reactors by innovating a new adjuster component configuration. An increased supply of cobalt-60 is good news for the world medical community as Ontario produces about 50 per cent of the global supply of cobalt-60. The isotope helps to sterilize billions of medical devices like gloves, masks and syringes, while also treating some forms of cancer.
“Cobalt-60 is a key tool for the world’s medical community and we’re working together with Nordion to ensure we’re able to meet the rising demand,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s President and CEO. “We are a major producer of cobalt-60, with years of experience, and we’ve shown that we’re on the cutting edge of innovation with the production of medical isotopes, so being able to increase production advances Ontario’s leadership position worldwide.”
“Nordion is committed to providing a reliable, long-term supply of cobalt-60 to meet the growing demand for this critical isotope,” said Riaz Bandali, President, Nordion. “Through initiatives like this with Bruce Power, we continue to make investments in expanding production to support our mission, Safeguarding Global Health®.”
Bruce Power and Nordion have partnered to produce both Low Specific Activity (LSA) and High Specific Activity (HSA) cobalt-60. LSA cobalt-60 helps to sterilize more than 40 percent of the world’s single-use medical devices. HSA cobalt-60 is used in specialized brain tumour treatments that minimize damage to healthy tissue and lower treatment side effects compared to traditional therapy in some cases.
“Nuclear not only powers our province with clean, reliable electricity, but it also helps save millions of lives in Ontario, Canada and around the world,” said Ontario’s Energy Minister, Todd Smith. “The expansion of Ontario-made cobalt-60 isotopes is putting our province at the forefront of nuclear isotope innovation that is being used to treat cancers and other diseases so more people can enjoy a healthier and a safer quality of life.”
