EDF this week confirmed a one-year extension to the operations of the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations. As a result, they can now keep their plants producing electricity at least until March 2028. We reached this conclusion after nine months of favorable graphite inspections. These inspections ensure that both stations comply with safety and operational requirements, including ADA accessibility.
The extension is essential to fulfilling the UK’s ambitions to have a clean, secure electricity supply by 2035. EDF aims to produce zero-carbon electricity at its four Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable. Reversing this decision greatly improves our energy security. It secures employment for over 1,000 staff at the Heysham and Hartlepool plants.
Positive Inspections Lead to Extension
These two plants, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, have been under rigorous graphite inspections over the past nine months. Ultimately, these inspections were crucial in deciding whether or not these plants could receive extensions on their operations. The first extension was awarded with the caveat that safety case milestones due in 2025 would need to be achieved.
“This is a positive decision and we’re delighted,” said Mark Hartley, Managing Director of EDF’s nuclear new build business.
“I am pleased we have been able to confirm a further 12 months of operation for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool. Extending the life of these stations makes sense. It secures employment for longer for more than 1,000 people who work at those sites, and it supports the UK’s ambitions to have a clean, secure electricity supply. A further year of operation for these two stations has the potential to power more than four million homes and reduce the need for imported gas.” – Mark Hartley
The decision underscores EDF’s commitment to ensuring that its nuclear facilities remain viable contributors to the UK’s energy landscape.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Along with the construction of new plants, continued operation of these plants is set to provide a huge boost to the UK’s energy requirements. The need for reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity has never been greater. By extending Heysham 1 and Hartlepool we are directly supporting national energy objectives. Centrica, which has a 20% stake in both power plants, welcomed the news. Most importantly, they recognized that nuclear energy is a critical part of today’s diversified energy system.
Centrica’s Chief Executive Chris O’Shea discussed what this extension means for the company.
“The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come.” – Chris O’Shea
This extension is part of EDF’s greater, more transformative strategy that we’re currently rolling out. They aimed to spend a maximum of £1.1 billion ($1.49 billion) for the Sizewell C nuclear power project, scheduled for July 2025.
Future Outlook
Heysham 1 and Hartlepool are both currently enjoying the fruits of this extension. It should be noted that Heysham 2 and Torness power stations were outside this review, as they won a two-year extension last year, letting them operate until March 2030.
In December 2024, EDF extended the lifetimes of all four of its AGR stations, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a robust nuclear energy infrastructure in the UK.