Torness Nuclear Power Station to stay open for an extra seven years

EDF Energy is to extend the life of four of its UK nuclear power stations - including Torness in East Lothian.

Published 16th Feb 2016

EDF Energy is to extend the life of four of its UK nuclear power stations - including Torness in East Lothian.

The local facility was due to close in 2023, but will now stay open until 2030.

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

Heysham 2 will have an extension of seven years to 2030.

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.