A presentation was held by Bruce Power Wednesday night to update the community on their “Net Zero” initiative that aims to see no greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2027.
Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice-President, Operational Services, James Scongack, says their goal will be a large contributor in Canada’s mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
“It’s very clear nuclear is needed to achieve Net Zero, and here at Bruce Power, with the work we’re doing with our refurbishments, we’re putting clean electricity on the system that is offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. That’s how we’re going to fight climate change and provide that kind of leadership.”
Scongack says Bruce Power was also the first nuclear operator in the world to qualify for Green Bonds, which are bonds earmarked to finance projects with environmental benefit.
He says Bruce Power is also making advancements in their medical isotope capabilities, and even installed a “first of its kind” Isotope Production System in Unit 7 earlier this year. He adds there are only two ways to produce isotopes, and they are through cyclotrons and nuclear reactors.
“What [isotopes] cyclotrons produce, reactors can’t, and what [isotopes] reactors produce, cyclotrons can’t. So that’s why the isotope community is really united in saying we’re not competing against each other, we’re trying to get isotope products to the world.”
Medical isotopes are used globally to sterilize medical equipment, and diagnose as well as treat certain cancers.
They’re already making Cobalt-16, and are working towards being able to supply Lutetium.
They hope to make an announcement regarding its progress later this year.