EDF has announced a 12-month extension of the operational life for two of its UK nuclear power stations, Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool in Teesside.
Both the power stations will now generate electricity until March 2028. The decision aligns with the company’s commitment to ensuring energy security and follows a series of positive graphite inspections at both stations over the past nine months.
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In December 2024, EDF had already extended the lifetimes of all four of its generating advanced gas-cooled reactor stations.
Initially, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool were granted a one-year extension, contingent on meeting several inspection and safety case milestones due in 2025. The successful progress in these areas has facilitated the additional extension.
The Heysham 2 and Torness power stations, which are on track to operate until March 2030, were not included in this review as they had already received a two-year extension last year.
EDF maintains the goal of producing zero-carbon electricity at its four AGR stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable, with station lifetimes continuously under review.
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By GlobalDataEDF nuclear operations business managing director Mark Hartley said: “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.”
Centrica, which holds a 20% share in the power plants, said that these further life extensions offer greater energy security for Britain.
Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said: “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.”
In July 2025, EDF confirmed its intention to invest up to £1.1bn ($1.49bn) in the Sizewell C nuclear power project, subject to final agreements with the UK government and other investors.
