Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Deferred
Paragraph: 31
Life extensions for EDF reactors reasonable if deemed safely operational by regulator
Conclusion
We conclude that it is reasonable for EDF to seek life extensions to extend their contribution to the grid if, and only if, the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s judgement is that they can be safely operational as is currently the case.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomed EDF's decision to extend Heysham 1 and Hartlepool until March 2026 but stated that future lifetime extensions are decisions for the operator and the independent nuclear regulator based on safety and commercial considerations.
Paragraph Reference:
31
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
HMG welcomed the recent announcement by EDF that two key stations, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, with a combined capacity of ~ 2.4 GW will continue to operate until March 2026, an extension of two years. The continued operation of assets in the nuclear fleet (including the AGR fleet and Sizewell B) is supportive of HMG’s ambitions to deploy up to 24GW by 2050 however, lifetime extensions are a decision for the operator (EDF) and the independent nuclear regulator (the ONR) based on safety and commercial considerations. While generation dates are kept under regular review by HMG, we are not in the position to set out EDF’s future plans for lifetime extensions in the roadmap.