REG - Centrica PLC - Further life extensions for nuclear power stations

CentricaAnnouncement

02/09/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 5449X  Centrica PLC  02 September 2025

2 September 2025

 

Further life extension of two UK nuclear power stations means greater energy
security

 

Centrica (the "Company") is pleased to confirm further life extensions for two
of its 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.

 

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 12 TWh to the Company's electricity generation
volumes between 2026 and 2030, with 3 TWh 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."

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

·    The total life extensions announced since December 2024 are expected
to add up to 60TWh total, or 12TWh at Centrica's 20% share (of which 3TWh
relates to today's announcement).

·    This latest lifetime extension is the most likely view.

·    These dates are forecasts, and the precise dates will be determined
by the results of regular graphite inspections and how those results are
interpreted by the operator, and by the independent regulator, the Office for
Nuclear Regulation.

·    End of generation dates are kept under review and revised based on
the best information available at the time.

·    Decisions on end of generation dates for nuclear power stations in
the UK are independent of the regulator or government and are taken by the
licensee board following recommendations.

·    The decision on the change of generation dates for the two stations
was taken following a licensee board meeting on 1 September 2025.

·    The results of inspections of the graphite cores during 2025 have
supported the decision to extend station lifetimes.

 

 

Contact

Media Relations

T: 01784 843000

E: media@centrica.com (mailto:media@centrica.com)

 

Investor Relations

E: ir@centrica.com (mailto:ir@centrica.com)

 

 

 

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