Centrica, owner of British Gas, to extend the life of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations by two years
- Heysham 1 and Hartlepool stations are now due to close in March 2026
- The two additional years are expected to add 70% of Centrica’s total nuclear volumes
British Gas owner Centrica has announced plans to extend the life of two nuclear power stations, in a bid to “boost the UK’s energy security in uncertain times”.
The group said Heysham 1 and Hartlepool stations are now set to close in March 2026, two years later than planned.
This is expected to add 6 terawatt hours to its power generation volumes between 2024 and 2026, or about 70% of Centrica’s total nuclear volumes in 2022.
Heysham 1 (pictured) and Hartlepool stations are due to close in March 2026
Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with EDF to enhance UK energy security by extending the life of these critical power stations.
“This continues our drive to strengthen security of supply in our core markets, including reopening the Rough gas storage facility in the UK, authorizing new gas-fired power generation capacity in Ireland and securing increased volumes of gas and renewable energy for our customers.
“We will continue to focus on supporting energy security in our core markets during these uncertain times.”
Centrica last month unveiled £3.3bn in profit for 2022, more than triple its 2021 total.
They were motivated by its North Sea gas production, nuclear power and the extreme volatility in wholesale markets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
British Gas contributed just £72 million to Centrica’s overall profits last year. But the windfall has sparked controversy over why those profits have not been used to lower bills.
