EDF Group is announcing a five year extension to the operating lifetime of its nuclear reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool until 2019. The decision taken at a British Energy Board meeting follows positive results from technical and economic and safety studies conducted on these reactors.

Moreover, the full deployment of the Plant Lifetime Extension (PLEX) programme, implemented by EDF Energy, could enable extended lifetimes for all Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) plants by an average of 5 years and Sizewell B by 20 years.

In its existing nuclear business in the UK, the Group’s objective is to achieve nuclear output above 55TWh per annum.

The announcements are disclosed at a meeting with the financial community in London where EDF is presenting an update of its businesses and strategy in the United Kingdom.

The meeting follows the landmark announcement by the UK Government to reform its domestic electricity market. EDF Energy welcomed the announcement, which represents a major step forward for secure, affordable low carbon energy. Market reform – including a carbon price floor – is essential to incentivize investment in low carbon generation including EDF’s plans for nuclear new build in the UK. Construction costs for the first twin nuclear plants at Hinkley Point has been evaluated to amount £9Bn, with an objective of commissioning the first power station in 2018.