EDF extends lifetimes of four nuclear plants

EDF Energy is extending the operational lifetimes of four UK nuclear power stations, providing a significant boost to clean energy production, energy security and the nation’s transition to net-zero.

The Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) stations, including Heysham 2 in Lancashire and Torness in East Lothian, will now operate until 2030, while Heysham 1 and Hartlepool in Teesside are set to generate power until 2027.

These extensions will add 45TWh of zero-carbon electricity to the grid, reducing the need for approximately 62 LNG tankers’ worth of imported gas, more than 20 per cent of last year’s LNG imports.

Bosses say the move will “support our energy security” and sustain more than 3,000 jobs, preserving critical nuclear skills across sites in East Lothian, Lancashire, Teesside and Gloucester, while also “ensuring a smooth transition” to the next generation of nuclear reactors.

EDF will invest a further £1.3 billion over the next three years on top of the £8 billion it has already invested since 2009 to safely extend operating lifetimes. So far, the nuclear fleet has generated over 240TWh more electricity than originally expected, enough zero carbon electricity to power every UK home for two years.  

Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF’s nuclear operations business, said: “Today’s (3 December) decision is testament to EDF’s ongoing investment in the UK’s nuclear fleet and the hard work of the employees and suppliers supporting these sites. 

“When EDF acquired these stations in 2009 they were all due to end generation by early 2023 which would have left the UK with just one generating nuclear station at Sizewell B.

“Careful stewardship and around £8 billion of investment since 2009 has seen several life extensions for these stations and much higher output than was predicted.” 

The decision, taken after a rigorous review process over the past seven months, follows the recent publication of the Clean Power 2030 report by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), which outlined the importance of AGR life extension in meeting the UK’s clean energy targets by 2030.

Alistair Black, senior director of X-energy UK, who, along with deployment partner Cavendish Nuclear, was awarded £3.34 million by the Government back in April to advance their advanced modular reactors plans and develop a multi-billion pound 12-reactor plant at Hartlepool, added: “It's fantastic news that Hartlepool's nuclear power station will now continue to operate until 2027.

“The Hartlepool facility plays a vital role in delivering clean, reliable energy to the UK. 

“This extension is a testament to the expertise of the workforce and the ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence at that strategically important site.

“It supports our energy security but also provides valuable time to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation of nuclear reactors like our Xe-100 advanced nuclear technology. 

“It's crucial we maintain new build momentum in the UK so the baton can be handed over smoothly.”

Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy and net zero, also added: “EDF’s decision to keep four nuclear plants online is a strong endorsement of our clean power mission. 

“These extensions are a major win for our energy independence – powering millions of homes for longer while supporting 3,000 good jobs across Lancashire, Teesside, and East Lothian.

“We can’t achieve clean power by 2030 without nuclear, which provides an all-important steady supply of homegrown clean energy.”

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