Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 June 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 June 2022. It was answered by Greg Hands (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 June 2022 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Hartlepool Power Station and Heysham 1 Power Station

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had recent discussions with EDF on possible life extensions beyond March 2024 for (a) Heysham I Nuclear Power Station and (b) Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station.

Answer: Whilst there has been parliamentary and public interest in the potential for life extensions, the Department has no formal role in these decisions so has not received any formal requests. The continued operation of any UK nuclear power station is a decision for EDF (the stations’ owner and operator) and the independent nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), based on safety and commercial considerations. The Department is in regular communication with EDF and the ONR. Security of electricity supply is secured through the Capacity Market which provides capacity with the right incentives to deliver when needed.

Secondary information