EDF to extend the life of its nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom

The operator of the Heysham and Hartlepool nuclear power plants in the UK will extend their operation by a further 12 months. The two nuclear units, with a combined capacity of 2.5 GW, will now generate electricity until at least March 2028. Their extended operation will boost the UK’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce gas imports and the carbon footprint of electricity generation. The UK’s new nuclear units at Hinkley Point C are expected to begin commercial operation after 2030.

EDF Energy announced that it will extend the life of two of its UK nuclear power plants. The units in question are Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, which had been due to stop generating electricity in March 2027. Both advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs) have undergone a series of inspections of the graphite used to moderate the nuclear reaction.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to confirm a further 12 months of operation for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool. An additional year of operation at these two plants has the potential to supply electricity to more than four million homes and reduce the need for gas imports,” said Dr Mark Hartley, EDF’s managing director.

The new plan means the units, with installed capacities of 1250 MW (Heysham 1) and 1310 MW (Hartlepool), will not be shut down before March 2028. EDF Energy says that, in addition to preserving jobs, their extended operation will have a positive impact on the country’s energy security and carbon footprint.

Replacement with new nuclear capacity

EDF Energy makes no secret of its ambition to operate its UK AGR nuclear power plants for as long as possible, while maintaining their safety and competitiveness. The two remaining units of this type, Heysham 2 and Torness, are currently scheduled to operate until 2030. All the UK’s currently operating AGR units were connected to the grid between 1983 and 1988.

“Extending the life of these plants makes sense. It will provide continued employment for more than 1,000 people working at these sites and support the UK’s ambition to have clean and secure electricity supplies,” Hartley added.

Extending the life of existing nuclear power plants will help the country bridge the gap before the new nuclear capacity under construction in the UK comes online. This includes the two-unit Hinkley Point C plant. Construction began in 2018, and it is expected to start operating in the early 2030s.

In addition, the UK government plans to build two large nuclear reactors at Sizewell C and focus further on building small modular reactors. However, if the country does not bring new units online before shutting down those nearing the end of their operational lives, it will be left with just one operating pressurised water reactor, at Sizewell B, which is expected to run until 2055.