We've just heard that two of the UK's older nuclear plants are staying online longer than planned. EDF has confirmed Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool in Teesside will now generate until March 2030 instead of 2028.
The two-year extension is expected to deliver an extra 28TWh of zero-carbon electricity – enough to power around 8.4 million homes – while the system shifts towards more renewables.
Why it matters for bills and security
- Keeps stable baseload power on the grid during tighter periods
- Avoids the equivalent of 25 LNG cargoes of gas each year
- Supports more than 1,000 jobs in the north-east and north-west
EDF’s Managing Director of Nuclear Operations, John Munro, said: “We have been clear it is our ambition to generate from these stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable to do so it is great to be able to confirm a further two-year extension for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool.
“The AGR stations have been the backbone of secure, zero carbon generation in the UK for five decades. The nuclear fleet also has a key role in maintaining grid stability, which is so important as the overall system becomes led by renewables. Today’s decision retains stable baseload, domestic generation, reducing reliance on imports during tighter periods.”
The decision follows detailed checks on boilers, graphite cores and workforce planning. Lifetimes are kept under review by EDF and the independent Office for Nuclear Regulation.
If you're looking to compare energy deals while these changes play out, head over to our gas & electricity section.
