NB Power Explores Medical Isotope Production at Point Lepreau

The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station may soon take on a new role beyond electricity generation as NB Power investigates the feasibility of producing medical isotopes on-site. During a media tour on March 15, 2024, executives from NB Power shared insights into their plans for isotope production, which is crucial for various medical applications including diagnostics, cancer treatments, and sterilization of medical equipment.

Potential Revenue and Benefits

Lori Clark, president and CEO of NB Power, highlighted Canada’s leadership in isotope production for both medical and industrial purposes. Point Lepreau stands out as the only facility outside Ontario with the capability to produce these valuable resources. “It’s really early days, but we’re very optimistic that there is a revenue stream that will come back to New Brunswickers and to our customers,” Clark stated. She added that the revenue could potentially reach “tens of millions of dollars annually,” depending on technical evaluations and partnerships.

To facilitate the production of isotopes, modifications to the existing CANDU 6 reactor at Point Lepreau will be necessary. The plant can continue to operate while these changes are made, with production methods mirroring those currently employed in Ontario. An internal team has been established by NB Power to strategize the implementation of this initiative.

Medical Impact and Economic Opportunities

Steve Bagshaw, vice-president and chief nuclear officer at Point Lepreau, emphasized the importance of medical isotopes, stating, “Most everyone knows a family member or friend that has been touched by cancer.” He described the pursuit of isotope production as a significant opportunity for both Canadian healthcare and the economy of New Brunswick, potentially generating both medical and economic benefits.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this initiative, concerns have arisen regarding the timing of the project. Point Lepreau has experienced several extended shutdowns in recent years, with the latest outage concluding on December 15, 2023, two weeks later than anticipated following a scheduled five-month maintenance period. During shutdowns, the utility incurs costs ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million daily due to the need for replacement power and repairs.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the station operated only 27 percent of the time, raising questions about prioritizing stable operations over new production ventures. Clark assured stakeholders that recent investments aim to ensure reliable and stable operations, which are crucial for isotope production. “This is an opportunity now that we have that stable production and sustainable production from the facility,” she explained, underlining the importance of managing costs and addressing future rate increases.

Future modifications to support isotope production will coincide with scheduled outages, the next of which is set to begin in April 2024 and will last for 119 days. This strategic approach aims to balance the operational demands of the facility with the potential benefits of entering the medical isotope market.

Overall, the exploration of medical isotope production at Point Lepreau represents not only a potential financial boon for NB Power and New Brunswickers but also a significant contribution to healthcare both locally and globally.