EDF extends the lifespan of four nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom

EDF announces the extension of the lifespan of four nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom, strengthening local energy production while investing massively in its aging nuclear infrastructure.

Partagez:

EDF, the French energy company, announced on Wednesday that it will extend the lifespan of four of its nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom, a strategic decision to ensure the island’s energy security. The affected plants are Heysham 1, Heysham 2, Torness, and Hartlepool, all equipped with advanced gas-cooled reactors.

Heysham 2, located in the northwest of England, and Torness, in southern Scotland, will benefit from a two-year extension, enabling them to produce electricity until March 2030. Heysham 1, also in the northwest, and Hartlepool, in the northeast of England, will see their operation extended by one year, until March 2027. EDF had initially planned to shut down these plants in 2023.

Mark Hartley, Managing Director of Nuclear Operations at EDF UK, highlighted that massive investments have been made since the acquisition of the nuclear fleet in 2009. These efforts, valued at approximately £8 billion (€9.7 billion), have allowed the lifespan of the facilities to be extended multiple times while achieving a production level significantly above initial forecasts.

A strategy for energy independence

These decisions come as the UK government seeks to meet ambitious clean energy goals by 2030. The UK’s Energy Minister, Ed Miliband, welcomed the extension, calling it a “major victory for energy independence” in the United Kingdom. According to him, nuclear power remains a cornerstone of the country’s climate and energy objectives.

EDF also announced an additional £1.3 billion (€1.6 billion) investment in its five active nuclear power plants in the UK over the next three years. This funding will focus on modernizing infrastructure and maintaining safety standards.

Future projects and limitations

At the same time, EDF continues to develop new nuclear power plants, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, which are expected to play a crucial role in the UK’s energy future. However, EDF withdrew last July from a bidding process for developing small modular reactors (SMRs), citing financial and technological challenges.

EDF’s fifth nuclear power plant in the UK, Sizewell B, is not included in the current announcements. However, EDF mentioned the possibility of extending its lifespan to 2055, adding two decades of operation if necessary to meet energy demand.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.