Centrica has confirmed 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.'
Background
- 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.
Source: Centrica
