TerraPower, a nuclear science company founded by Bill Gates, has announced plans to build a $450 million radioisotope manufacturing plant at the Bellwether District in South Philadelphia.
The 250,000-square-foot, build-to-suit facility will be developed for TerraPower Isotopes, the company’s division focused on nuclear medicine for cancer treatment. The plant will produce actinium-225, a rare radioisotope used in precision cancer therapies.
The project is expected to create approximately 225 full-time jobs over the next three years. Pennsylvania is supporting the development with $10 million in grants, and the project is eligible for additional tax incentives.
TerraPower evaluated more than 350 potential sites nationwide before selecting the Bellwether District, a 1,300-acre commercial redevelopment project at the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery site. The location offers strong infrastructure access, including proximity to Center City, major highways, rail, maritime facilities, and Philadelphia International Airport.
City and state leaders called the project a major milestone for Philadelphia’s growing life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors. The investment further strengthens Pennsylvania’s expanding biotech ecosystem, following recent large-scale announcements from Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly.
While construction timing has not yet been announced, the project represents another significant development for South Philadelphia and for the region’s commercial construction industry.
