Statement on noise and steam from Heysham 2 power station

Following some noise and visible steam in the area caused by an unplanned reactor shutdown at Heysham 2 power station, Station Director, Martin Cheetham issued the below letter to members of the Heysham Local Community Liaison Committee (LCLC). 

16 January 2025

Heysham 2 power station reactor shutdown

Dear LCLC member,

I am aware of some speculation on social media yesterday evening, regarding noise and steam venting from Heysham 2 power station that was observed by local residents.

This was due to one of the units at Heysham 2 power station coming offline. All of our systems responded as designed to do so, and the unit shutdown safely. This was not a planned shutdown and, as such, the steam venting is an as design occurrence from our boiler and turbine system when a unit trips from power.

Three fire tenders were sent to site after a call was made by a member of the public directly to the fire service, however, no support was needed from the fire service and they were stood down immediately. 

Work is currently underway to establish the cause of the trip and to bring the unit back online. 

I apologise if this caused any inconvenience to you and the wider community.

Martin Cheetham

Station Director - Heysham 2 power station