EDF Energy is planning to extend the life of four nuclear power stations in the UK and invest £1.3bn (€1.5bn, $1.6bn) in its nuclear fleet as it aims to maintain UK nuclear output at current levels until at least 2026.
The French energy company said it would make a decision on whether to extend the life of the four advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) stations – Torness, Heysham A and B, and Hartlepool A – by the end of the year. This would require regulatory approval.
Between them the four stations have eight units in operation – two at Torness, two each at Heysham A and Heysham B and two at Hartlepool. According to International Atomic Energy data, the eight units have a combined net generating capacity of 4,685MW.
A spokesperson for the company said operating extension plans would depend on inspections, adding there would not be long lifetime extensions but “incremental”.