Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations will now continue operating until March 2030 following another lifetime extension.
As part of net zero goals, the government wants to ensure that clean energy sources will produce at least 95% of Great Britain’s electricity generation by 2030. Nuclear power is considered to be an essential base load generator to meet this goal.
Originally intended to close in 2024, the lifespan of both power stations was extended to 2028 last year after operator EDF carried out a series of positive graphite inspections at both stations.
The decision is set to boost nuclear output by 28TWh over the two-year extension and should roughly coincide with the opening of the first generator at the upcoming Hinkley Point C plant. As it’s based on newer technology, even the single unit at Hinkley Point C is expected to generate nearly as much electricity per year as all four reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool combined.
While the four ageing reactors at Heysham 1 and...