Further life extension of two UK nuclear power stations means greater energy security
Centrica is pleased to confirm further life extensions for two of the UK nuclear power stations in which it has a 20% share, meaning even greater energy security for Britain.
Heysham 1 and Hartlepool are now expected to generate electricity until March 2028, one year later than previously expected. There is no change at the moment to the expected March 2030 closure date of Heysham 2 and Torness, announced December 2024.
These stations provide homegrown low-carbon electricity to power more than 4 million homes a year, reducing the need for fossil fuels and supporting the UK’s ambitions to have a clean, secure energy supply.
"The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come" Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica
Centrica has a longstanding interest in the UK’s existing nuclear power portfolio. The total life extensions announced since December 2024 are projected to add approximately 12TWh to the Company’s electricity generation volumes between 2026 and 2030, with 3TWh attributable to the extensions announced today.
This follows Centrica’s recently announced strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear infrastructure by acquiring a 15% equity stake in Sizewell C, a new 3.2GW nuclear power station under construction in Suffolk, in the South East of the UK, with committed construction funding of £1.3 billion. Once commissioned, the new station will provide zero-carbon baseload power to the UK for at least the next 60 years, helping to support the UK’s long-term decarbonisation journey.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica said: "The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come. Our longstanding involvement in the UK nuclear industry is an investment in Britain’s energy independence and thousands of high-quality jobs. Our recent investments in Sizewell C and the Isle of Grain LNG Terminal further underscores our commitment to securing the UK's energy future through a range of low-carbon technologies."
