EDF has extended the operational life of two of its UK nuclear power stations, Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool in Teesside, by an additional 12 months. Both stations will now continue generating electricity until March 2028. This decision comes on the heels of positive graphite inspections over the past nine months, reinforcing the company’s commitment to energy security.
Initially, in December 2024, EDF had extended the lifetimes of all four of its generating advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) stations. 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 now facilitated the additional extension.
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 remains committed to 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.
Mark Hartley, EDF nuclear operations business managing director, expressed satisfaction with the decision. “I am pleased we have been able to confirm a further 12 months of operation for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool,” he said. “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, echoed this sentiment. Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea stated, “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.”
This extension aligns with EDF’s broader strategy in the UK. In July 2025, the company 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.
The decision to extend the operational life of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations underscores the critical role of nuclear energy in the UK’s energy mix. As the country strives to meet its net-zero targets, the reliability and stability offered by nuclear power become increasingly vital. This move could set a precedent for other aging nuclear plants, encouraging similar extensions where safety and commercial viability are assured.
Moreover, the extension highlights the importance of continuous investment in nuclear infrastructure. With the UK government and private investors increasingly focusing on new nuclear projects like Sizewell C, the sector is poised for significant growth. This could accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies, enhancing the UK’s energy security and reducing its dependence on imported fuels.
The decision also brings into sharp focus the need for a balanced energy strategy that incorporates various low-carbon sources. While renewable energy sources like wind and solar continue to grow, nuclear power provides a stable baseload that complements intermittent renewables. This extension could spur further debate on the optimal mix of energy sources to achieve a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future for the UK.