The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has decided to amend Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) power reactor operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS) to authorise the production of lutetium-177 (Lu-177) and yttrium-90 (Y-90) using the existing target delivery system at unit 2. This decision follows a public hearing in writing with interventions. The amended licence remains valid until 30 November2025.
In making its decision, the Commission considered written submissions from OPG, CNSC staff and seven intervenors. After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to carry on the activities that the amended licence will authorise.
DNGS is located in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario, within the traditional lands and waters of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the Gunshot Treaty (1787-88), the Williams Treaties (1923), and the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement (2018).
Lu-177 and Y-90 are radioactive isotopes that are used in nuclear medicine, most prominently for targeted radionuclide therapy of certain types of cancer. The Commission is satisfied with the regulatory hold point proposed by CNSC staff to verify aspects of the safety case, including confirmation via commissioning tests, prior to declaring the new isotope production available for service.
