EDF has confirmed further life extensions for two of its UK nuclear power stations.

Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool on Teesside will continue generating until March 2028, an extension of 12 months. 

The decision was taken following a series of positive graphite inspections at both stations over the past nine months. 

Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations had been due to move into defueling in March 2027 based on a review in December 2024. 

Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF’s Nuclear Operations business, said: “I am pleased we have been able to confirm a further 12 months of operation for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool. 

“Extending the life of these stations makes sense. It secures employment for longer for more than 1,000 people who work at those sites, and it supports the UK’s ambitions to have a clean, secure electricity supply. 

“A further year of operation for these two stations has the potential to power more than four million homes and reduce the need for imported gas.” 

In December 2024, EDF extended the lifetimes of all four of its generating Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) stations. At that time Heysham 1 and Hartlepool were given a one-year extension on the basis that there were a number of important inspection and safety case milestones due in 2025. Positive progress in these areas has supported the decision to extend the lifetime by an additional 12 months. 

Heysham 2 and Torness, which are both scheduled to generate until March 2030, were not in scope for this review after a two-year extension was granted last year. 

EDF’s ambition is to continue making zero-carbon electricity at its four generating AGR stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable to do so and will keep station lifetimes under review. 

The decision on the change of generation dates for the two stations was taken following a series of EDF executive and licensee board meetings on 1 September 2025.