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Canadian regulator approves Bruce Power hot cell for medical isotope processing

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved operation of a hot cell facility at Bruce Power following completion of construction in July. The facility represents a significant step in the operator's medical isotope production programme, which has expanded substantially over the past four years.

Bruce Power began producing cobalt-60 for medical sterilisation in 1986 and shifted to cancer-treatment applications in 2021. The operator became the first commercial nuclear facility to produce lutetium-177 in 2022 using an Isotope Production System installed in Bruce unit 7.

Facility capabilities and design

The hot cell enables remote handling of irradiated materials while minimising worker radiation exposure. The facility was constructed through collaboration between Bruce Power, Kinectrics and Bird Construction.

The new capability allows Bruce Power to perform Target Carrier Removal, a critical step in lutetium-177 production. This on-site processing reduces transportation requirements, lowers emissions and streamlines the production workflow.

Isotope applications and expansion

Lutetium-177 is a medium-energy beta emitter with a 6.7-day half-life, suitable for targeted cancer therapy and theranostics—an approach combining diagnostic and therapeutic methods using radiopharmaceuticals. The isotope can be produced by irradiating ytterbium-176 targets, which are then processed for distribution to healthcare facilities.

Bruce Power's CANDU reactors are particularly suited to medical isotope production alongside power generation. The operator is installing an additional Isotope Production System in Bruce unit 6 as part of broader expansion efforts.

Kairos Power Launches Workforce Initiative for Oak Ridge Reactor Project

Kairos Power has established a collaborative workforce development program as construction advances on its high-temperature, fluoride salt–cooled reactor facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, brings together eight regional and national organizations to address anticipated staffing needs for the project.

The partnership, named the Nuclear Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Precast (NuCAMP), combines expertise from research institutions, educational providers, construction firms, and local school systems. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to create a pipeline of trained workers equipped with skills relevant to advanced reactor manufacturing and assembly.

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributes research and technical expertise
  • University of Tennessee–Knoxville provides academic resources and curriculum development
  • Roane State Community College and Chattanooga State Community College offer vocational and technical training programs
  • Barnard Construction brings construction and project management experience
  • The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques
  • Oak Ridge Schools engages secondary education in workforce preparation

Workforce Development Strategy

The consortium's formation reflects growing recognition within the nuclear sector that new reactor projects require sustained investment in local talent development. By coordinating across educational, research, and industrial partners, NuCAMP aims to align training curricula with actual job requirements at the facility.

The initiative targets both immediate staffing needs during construction and longer-term operational requirements. Community colleges play a central role, offering accessible pathways for workers seeking nuclear industry careers without requiring four-year degrees. Integration with secondary schools signals an effort to build interest in nuclear careers among younger populations.

  • Training programs focus on advanced manufacturing and precast construction techniques
  • Partnerships leverage existing educational infrastructure in the region
  • Coordination between institutions reduces duplication and improves resource efficiency
  • Local hiring emphasis supports regional economic development

Project Context

Kairos Power's Oak Ridge facility represents a significant investment in advanced reactor technology development. The high-temperature, fluoride salt–cooled design differs from conventional light-water reactors, requiring specialized knowledge and manufacturing capabilities. The workforce initiative addresses the technical skill gaps that such projects typically encounter.

By establishing NuCAMP before peak construction activity, the consortium aims to avoid common supply-chain bottlenecks related to labor availability and training timelines. This proactive approach may serve as a model for other advanced reactor projects seeking to develop regional workforces.

  • Advanced reactor designs require specialized manufacturing expertise
  • Early workforce planning reduces project delays and cost overruns
  • Regional partnerships distribute training costs across multiple institutions
  • Sustainable workforce development supports long-term industry growth

Doosan Enerbility Secures Second Contract for Chinese Nuclear Steam Generator Forgings

Doosan Enerbility has been contracted to supply steam generator forgings for units 5 and 6 of the Laiyang Nuclear Power Project in Shandong province, China. The order, signed with Dongfang Electric International and Dongfang Heavy Machinery—subsidiaries of Dongfang Electric Group—calls for delivery of eight forged components by 2029.

The contract specifies four channel heads and four tube sheets, critical materials in nuclear steam generator construction. Each forging measures approximately 5 metres in diameter and weighs up to 130 tonnes. Doosan Enerbility will manufacture the components at its Changwon headquarters facility using a 17,000-tonne press and ultra-large forging technologies.

Project Context

The Laiyang plant will eventually comprise six Guohe One reactors, an enlarged variant of the CAP1000 pressurised water reactor derived from Westinghouse's AP1000 design. State Power Investment Corporation is responsible for investment, construction, and operation of the facility. Two units received approval during a State Council executive meeting in July 2026.

This contract represents Doosan Enerbility's second order for Laiyang components. The company previously secured a supply agreement for units 3 and 4, and has supplied steam generator forgings for the Haiyang nuclear plant, also located in Shandong province and equipped with AP1000 reactors.

Market Position

Jongdoo Kim, CEO of Doosan Enerbility, characterised the repeat order as validation of the company's technological and quality standing in China's nuclear market. The successive contracts underscore sustained demand for large-scale forged components in China's nuclear expansion programme and reflect Doosan Enerbility's established capability in ultra-large forging manufacturing for the global nuclear supply chain.