Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 June 2022. It was answered by Greg Hands (Conservative) on Friday, 24 June 2022 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Hinkley Point B Power Station

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department wrote to EDF to request examination of the possibility of a life extension for Hinkley Point B.

Answer: Whilst there has been parliamentary and public interest in the potential for life extensions, the Department has no formal role in these decisions. The continued operation, or closure, 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 (the ONR), based on safety and commercial considerations. The Department is in regular communication with EDF and the ONR but has not written regarding the extension of nuclear power stations.

Secondary information