Two more years for nuclear power stations
EDFTwo nuclear power stations will continue to generate electricity for two more years than previously announced.
In the latest of multiple extensions, operator EDF said Hartlepool Power Station and Heysham 1 in Lancashire would run until March 2030, two years longer than a previous estimate of 2028.
EDF said it took the decision after a "detailed review" of the condition of the boilers and the graphite cores as well as supply chain resilience.
Chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, Tom Greatrex, said: "The significance of this cannot be understated, given the UK's exposure to volatile gas prices and the need to protect households by providing baseload power."
Both stations were brought online in 1983 and were expected to generate electricity for about 25 years.
EDF took over the UK's nuclear fleet in 2009 and extended the site's operating lifetime estimate multiple times.
Greatrex added: "Today's announcement is also a reminder that, as our existing fleet approaches retirement, we must move at pace on new nuclear."
'Almost 50 years'
Local MP Jonathan Brash said it was a "real boost" for the town.
"Hartlepool is now on course to reach almost 50 years of continuous nuclear generation," he said.
"That's an extraordinary achievement and one our whole town should be proud of."
EDF added the lifetimes of Torness and Heysham 2 were not reviewed as part of this process.
The company also gave an update on hopes to install the UK's first Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool, which developers said would provide a "similar" amount of electricity to the current plant's power output.
It said an application to enter the generic design assessment had been submitted in June, describing it as the "first critical step in the UK licensing progress".
Earlier this year, the plant in Hartlepool was ordered to improve safety measures following an increase in "near misses".