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Highlights

  • Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear stations to remain operational until March 2028, one year later than expected.

  • Life extensions across Centrica’s nuclear portfolio since December 2024 projected to add 12 TWh of generation volumes between 2026 and 2030.

  • Recent £1.3 billion investment in Sizewell C secures a 15% stake in future UK nuclear capacity.

Centrica (LSE:CNA) today announced further life extensions for two UK nuclear power stations in which it holds a 20% share. Heysham 1 and Hartlepool are now scheduled to operate until March 2028, extending their lifespans by an additional year. The company confirmed that there is no change at this time to the previously announced closure dates of March 2030 for Heysham 2 and Torness.

The extensions will enable the generation of additional homegrown, low-carbon electricity for Britain. Together, these facilities have the capacity to provide power for more than four million homes annually. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, they support the UK’s broader ambition of achieving a secure and sustainable energy supply.

Additional Electricity Volumes from Life Extensions

Centrica noted that the total life extensions across its nuclear portfolio since December 2024 are projected to add around 12 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity generation volumes between 2026 and 2030. Of this total, approximately 3 TWh is attributable to the extensions announced today for Heysham 1 and Hartlepool.

The Company continues to highlight its longstanding role in the UK’s nuclear power sector, which contributes significantly to maintaining energy resilience and lowering emissions.

Strategic Investment in Sizewell C

Alongside extending the operational life of existing stations, Centrica is investing in the future of nuclear energy. Earlier this year, the Company acquired a 15% equity stake in Sizewell C, a new 3.2GW nuclear power station currently under construction in Suffolk. The investment represents £1.3 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in committed construction funding.

Once operational, Sizewell C is expected to provide zero-carbon baseload power for the UK for at least the next 60 years. This development will play a central role in the nation’s long-term decarbonisation pathway while enhancing security of supply.

Contribution to UK Energy Security

With the extensions announced today and continued investment in new capacity, Centrica is reinforcing its position as a major participant in the UK’s nuclear power sector.