EDF Energy to extend generation from four nuclear power stations

File photo dated 11/07/06 of Heysham Nuclear Power Station with electricity pylons in the foreground, as EDF Energy is to extend generation from four of its UK nuclear power stations by up to seven years, the company has announced. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday February 16, 2016. Heysham 1 in Lancashire, and Hartlepool, due to be decommissioned in 2019, will continue for an extra five years. Heysham 2 and Torness in Scotland will have extensions of seven years to 2030. See PA story INDUSTRY Nuclear. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

EDF Energy is to extend generation from four of its UK nuclear power stations by up to seven years, the company has announced.

Heysham 1 in Lancashire, and Hartlepool, due to be decommissioned in 2019, will continue for an extra five years.

Heysham 2 and Torness in Scotland will have extensions of seven years to 2030.

The French firm is planning to build a new nuclear power station at Hinckley Point in Somerset but is still to make a final investment decision.

EDF said the decision followed “extensive technical and safety reviews”.

“Our continuing investment, our expertise and the professional relationship we have with the safety regulator means we can safely prolong the operating life of our nuclear power stations,” said chief executive Vincent de Rivaz.

“Their excellent output shows that reliability is improving whilst their safety and environmental performance is higher than ever.”

The four nuclear plants employ over 2,000 permanent staff and 1,000 contractors.