British Gas owner Centrica has announced plans to extend the lives of two nuclear power stations, in efforts to ‘strengthen the UK’s energy security in uncertain times’.
The group said the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool stations are now expected to close in March 2026, two years later than previously forecast.
This is expected to add 6 terawatt hours to its electricity generation volumes between 2024 and 2026, or around 70 per cent of Centrica’s total nuclear volumes in 2022.
The Heysham 1 (pictured) and Hartlepool stations are expected to close in March 2026
Centrica chief executive, Chris O’Shea, said: ‘I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with EDF to strengthen the UK’s energy security by extending the life of these critical power stations.
‘This continues our action to bolster security of supply in our core markets which includes reopening the Rough gas storage facility in the UK, sanctioning new gas-fired electricity generation capacity in Ireland, and securing increased volumes of gas and renewable power for our customers.
‘We will continue to focus on supporting energy security in our core markets during these uncertain times.’
Last month, Centrica unveiled £3.3billion profits for 2022, more than triple its 2021 total.
They were driven by its North Sea gas production, nuclear power and extreme volatility in wholesale markets on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
British Gas contributed only £72million to Centrica’s overall profits last year. But the windfall has sparked controversy about why these profits were not used to bring down bills.
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