AGR lifetime reviews carried out

EDF has confirmed a change to the expected end of generation dates for two of its nuclear power stations. Heysham 2, in Lancashire, and Torness, in East Lothian, are now expected to continue generating until 31 March 2028.

In 2016, the sites’ operational lives were extended by seven years to 2030. Operational dates are under constant review and since then inspection, modelling and operational experience from other sites, have given EDF a clearer picture of lifetime expectations for the AGR fleet as the stations age. This revision will help with planning and certainty for staff and stakeholders.

Chief Nuclear Officer, Paul Morton, said: “Investment in the stations mean Heysham 2 and Torness are already operating beyond their expected 25-30 year generating lives and are two of the most productive of EDF’s fleet of nuclear power stations. Since they first started making electricity in 1988, they have produced more than 550TWh (Terrawatt hours) of zero-carbon electricity.

“To put that huge amount into context, that means these stations alone have produced enough electricity to power every home in the UK for five years.

“The stations each employ around 500 staff and 250 contractors and have annual wage bills of around £40m a year, and as most people live locally that provides a boost to the local economies.”

At the same time it was confirmed that the expected end of generation date for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool will remain 31 March 2024.

All of these dates will depend on a range of factors including future inspections.

In the autumn EDF announced that its nuclear fleet had produced more than 2000 TWh of zero-carbon electricity.

Each year the nuclear business, which employs 5000 staff, spends more than £800m through its supply chain, 93% of which is spent with UK companies, and since taking over the nuclear fleet in 2009 it has invested over £6bn in the plants.

Notes to editors:

• Decisions on end of generation dates for EDF’s nuclear power stations in the UK are independent of the regulator or government and are taken by EDF’s licensee board following recommendations from EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s Executive. They are then endorsed by relevant senior Boards and, if needed, shareholders.
• The decision on the change of end of generation date for Torness and Heysham 2 was taken following a series of EDF executive, board and shareholders meetings on 13^th & 14^th December 2021.

For further information email media@edfenergy.com or contact EDF's media line on 01425 65 22 33.