Operator, EDF, has unveiled plans to extend the lifespan of the Heysham 1 nuclear power station.
The company say that during the 2023-25 period, EDF plans to invest £1billion in the UK fleet to sustain output and help maintain security of supply, which includes the case for extending generation at both Heysham and its site in Hartlepool, beyond the current estimated end date of March 2024.
Production will be reviewed in the coming months, with an ambition to generate longer if possible.
The company is also keen to explore options to support both new nuclear technologies and hydrogen production at its Heysham site.
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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.”
Over the longer term, EDF is committed to playing its part in the Government’s commitment to expand UK nuclear capacity by 2050. With major interests in four of the eight designated sites for development, including Heysham, the company is working with ‘Great British Nuclear’ to help Government develop ideas on how to bring the policy goals to life.
Matt Sykes said, “Our business vision is focused on harnessing our nuclear skills and capabilities to support the industry’s transformation and to help manage the gap between older stations coming offline and future ones starting up; all those with an interest in the sector’s future need to work together towards that common goal.”
EDF owns four of the eight sites identified by Government for new nuclear development – Hinkley Point, Sizewell, Hartlepool and Heysham.
At Heysham, EDF operates two power stations, employing over 1,000 people in the local area, and these stations are due to generate until 2024 and 2028 respectively. EDF is in the early stages of exploring options for the site’s longer-term future.
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