Nuclear Power Stations
(asked on 15th June 2015) - View Source
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, for each operational nuclear power plant in the UK, what the available operating capacity in mega watts is; which of those plants have life extensions in place; for how long these extensions will last; and which of those plants have sought permission to secure further life extensions.
The decision on whether to extend the life of a nuclear power station is for the owners in conjunction with the regulators. The Regulators do not set prescribed lifetimes for UK nuclear power stations. The owners/operators of nuclear power plants make a commercial decision on whether to extend operation.
In order to gain approval from the Regulators, owners/operators must show that the plant will continue to be run in compliance with site licence conditions and that the continued operation of the nuclear power station is safe.
The table below details, for each operational nuclear power plant, the available operating capacity and details of life extensions.
Plant | Total supply to the national grid1 2(MW) | Expected shutdown | Life extension |
Wylfa 1 | 490 | Dec 2015 | Includes a 1 year extension |
Dungeness B 1&2 | 1050 | 2028 | Includes a 10 year extension |
Hartlepool 1&2 | 1180 | 2019 | Includes a 5 year extension |
Heysham I-1 & I-2 | 1155 | 2019 | Includes a 5 year extension |
Heysham II-1 & II-2 | 1230 | 2023 | No current life extension sought |
Hinkley Point B 1&2 | 955 | 2023 | Includes a 7 year extension |
Hunterston B 1&2 | 965 | 2023 | Includes a 7 year extension |
Torness 1&2 | 1185 | 2023 | No current life extension sought |
Sizewell B | 1198 | 2035 | No current life extension sought |
[1] http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-T-Z/United-Kingdom/