EDF looks at extensions for two nuclear plants

EDF is to review the case for extending the lifetimes of two nuclear power plants beyond the current deadline of March 2024.

The company said that in response to the current energy crisis it was considering a “short extension” for Hartlepool on Teeside and Heysham 1 in Lancashire. It said this would depend on the results of graphite inspections over the coming months.

EDF added that it was looking at the feasibility of Advanced Modular Reactors at Hartlepool as well as the potential for hydrogen production Heysham.

The plans were revealed as part of strategy update for EDF’s nuclear fleet released on Wednesday (28 September).

The update also referenced ongoing talks to extend Sizewell B’s lifetime by 20 years, a decision on which is due within the next 18 months.

It also confirmed its West Burton A coal-fired power station site in Nottinghamshire is on the shortlist for the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s STEP fusion project, with a decision expected in the coming months.

EDF said it would invest around £40 million in training its nuclear workforce this year, with plans to hire up to 200 people to join its existing fleet next year.

Matt Sykes, managing director of EDF’s Generation business, said “The 5,000 people managing the UK’s existing nuclear fleet continue to make a vital contribution to powering households and businesses with clean and affordable electricity during this very challenging time. Our priority in the next few years is to deliver as much output as we safely can from the existing fleet, to support security of supply and help preserve the UK’s nuclear skills.”

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, welcomed the move by EDF, saying: “Getting the most out of our existing nuclear stations is vital to ensuring Britain has a secure supply of power going forward. Extensions would provide a critical, immediate boost to UK energy security in the short term, cutting gas use and cutting bills.

“The nuclear fleet provides excellent value to consumers as a secure, sustainable and affordable source of power on the grid and a backbone of stable output. The strong performance of the current fleet shows the benefit of having a series of stations working in tandem alongside renewables.

“For the long term, it is now important that the government’s vision of 24GW of nuclear by 2050 is realised and we can start building up our energy resilience.”