Two nuclear power stations see life extended

Two nuclear power stations have been given extensions to their operating life in a boost for security of supply.

EDF said Hartlepool Power Station and Heysham 1 in Lancashire would run until March 2030, two years longer than a previous estimate of 2028.

It 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.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, 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.