Nuclear plant status

Nominal full load refers to the nominal maximum generation in megawatts from a reactor.  The output from a reactor can fluctuate even when at full load for many reasons (e.g. plant conditions, sea water temperatures, operating limits/constraints etc).  Where the output of a reactor is reduced by approximately 10% or more of its maximum, the reason for this will be shown.  Generation figures are net of any imports into the station and may be negative when a unit is not generating.

Return to service dates are provided to the same accuracy as provided to National Grid under the requirements of the Grid Code and refer to the first full day of operation.  Where a return to service date falls within approximately two weeks of the date of this report, the exact date will be shown.  Where a return to service date is expected to fall more than two weeks into the future, the week commencing in which a reactor is due to return to service will be indicated (shown as “w/c”).

Sizewell B, a Pressurised Water Reactor, has one reactor and two turbines and therefore is classified as being “one reactor” and “two units”.  The remainder of the stations are Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors, each having two reactors.  Each of these is therefore  classified as being “two reactors“ and “two units”.