AECL aborts reactor development

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO - Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. is scrapping development of its two new MAPLE medical-isotope reactors at its Chalk River, Ont., laboratories.

The decision “is based on a series of reviews that considered, among other things, the costs of further development, as well as the time frame and risks involved with continuing the project,” the federal Crown corporation said.

The MAPLE reactors, described as the first in the world dedicated entirely to medical isotope production, were intended to be capable of supplying the entire global demand for molybdenum-99, iodine-131, iodine-125 and xenon-133.

AECL said the decision to abort them “will not impact the current supply of medical isotopes.”

It said contracts with MDS Nordion provide for production to continue at AECL's existing National Research Universal reactor in Chalk River.

“We are making the right business decision given the circumstances,” AECL president Hugh MacDiarmid said.

“Our board of directors and senior management have concluded that it is no longer feasible to complete the commissioning and start-up of the reactors.”

The NRU reactor has an operating licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission valid through October, 2011, and AECL said it will work with the commission and MDS Nordion to continue production beyond that date.

“We recognize the important role that NRU plays in the supply and delivery of medical isotopes to patients in North America and around the world,” Mr. MacDiarmid stated.

“AECL is committed to supplying medical isotopes from NRU in a safe and reliable manner.”

Related News

power

Manitoba Government Extends Pause on New Cryptocurrency Connections

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government has temporarily suspended approving new electricity service connections for cryptocurrency mining operations. The decision comes as the province grapples with the cryptocurrency industry's growing energy demands and potential impact on electricity rates for residents and businesses.


The Original Pause

The pause was initially imposed in November 2022 due to concerns that the rapid influx of cryptocurrency mining operations could place significant strain on the province's electrical grid. Manitoba Hydro, the province's primary electric utility, warned that unregulated expansion of the industry could necessitate billions of dollars in infrastructure investments, potentially driving up electricity…

READ MORE
electricity meter

Hydro One delivery rates go up

READ MORE

power bill

N.S. senior suspects smart meter to blame for shocking $666 power bill

READ MORE

clean grid laboratories

From smart meters to big batteries, co-ops emerge as clean grid laboratories

READ MORE

alberta-path-to-clean-electricity

Alberta's Path to Clean Electricity

READ MORE