EDF delays closure of two nuclear plants in the UK

EDF Energy has announced plans to extend the generating lifetimes of the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power plants in the North of England.

The decision aims to increase energy security for the UK and was made after EDF completed a review of the technical and commercial viability of the extension.

In particular, EDF carried out inspections of the graphite reactor cores during 2022 and is satisfied the plants can continue meeting regulatory standards.

Heysham 1, in Lancashire, and Hartlepool, in Teesside were scheduled to stop generating in 2014. However, EDF made significant investments to extend operations to 2024.

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This has now been moved out by a further two years to March 2026, resulting in the production of 29TWh of electricity and the avoidance of 10 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

Matt Sykes, managing director of EDF’s Generation business said: “Supplying zero-carbon and affordable electricity, whatever the weather, has never been more important than right now.

“As well as helping the UK reduce its use of imported gas, it is also great news for the 2,000 skilled people whose jobs are supported by these sites and will help preserve valuable technical and operational skills that will be critical as the UK seeks to re-build its nuclear capability.”

Over the next five years (2023-27), EDF plans to invest more than £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) to sustain generation, alongside preparing for and delivering defueling.

This decision to extend the life of these nuclear plants comes as the UK is experiencing unprecedented cold temperatures. The cold snap prompted National Grid ESO to fire up two emergency coal-fired generators to help keep the lights on - indicating the importance of security of supply during extreme weather.