Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations extended

Heysham 1 and Hartlepool had to close in March next year, but they will now be open until early 2026.

Heysham 1 and Hartlepool started operating in 1983. Each has two Advanced Gas Cooled reactors, which were originally scheduled for closure in 2014. The closing date was extended by two previous lifetime extensions to March 2024.

The bulk of our electricity is generated from gas. The conflict in Ukraine last year resulted in a sudden spike in gas prices, which led to a steep increase in electricity bills.

Renewable energy, from wind and solar power for example, has been growing rapidly in the last few years. The amount available to the grid can vary based on the time of day and the weather.

Supporters of nuclear generation argue that it provides baseload power - in other words, a predictable and stable supply - although other sources are needed to react quickly to spikes in demand.

The combination of high demand and limited supplies led to concerns about possible shortages, and two of them were ordered to start generating power earlier this week.

A new scheme under which consumers are paid to reduce consumption at peak times has been tried out recently.

EDF said the decision to keep Heysham 1 and Hartlepool open had been taken after a rigorous review of the technical and commercial cases for keeping them open.

The inspections of reactor cores last year increased confidence that the stations can generate for longer and meet stringent regulatory standards. The government is committed to building a new generation of nuclear power stations. One point C -- Hinkley Point C -- is currently under construction.

An expert group that includes some vocal opponents of nuclear power, the International Nuclear Risk Assessment Group, said in a report looking at ageing nuclear power plants in 2021 that extensions increase the risk of accidents, including the release of radioactive substances into the environment.