Centrica extends Heysham 1 and Hartlepool lifetimes to 2028, boosting UK energy security and low-carbon supply

Centrica extends Heysham 1 and Hartlepool lifetimes to 2028, boosting UK energy security and low-carbon supply

(IN BRIEF) Centrica has announced that Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations will continue generating until March 2028, extending their operational lifetimes by one year and reinforcing the UK’s energy security. The stations, which provide low-carbon electricity to over 4 million homes annually, will add around 3 TWh of power through the extension, contributing to Centrica’s total of 12 TWh in additional generation from life extensions confirmed since December 2024. The move comes as Centrica also invests £1.3 billion in a 15% stake in Sizewell C, a new 3.2GW nuclear plant in Suffolk, further underlining its commitment to low-carbon technologies. CEO Chris O’Shea emphasized nuclear’s role in providing reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity and supporting Britain’s long-term energy independence.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINDSOR, 2-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Centrica has confirmed that two of the UK’s nuclear power stations, in which the company holds a 20% stake, will operate for longer than previously planned—providing a further boost to the country’s energy security.

Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool in County Durham will now continue generating electricity until March 2028, extending their lifetimes by an additional year. The expected closure dates for Heysham 2 and Torness remain unchanged at March 2030, as announced last December.

Together, the four stations supply enough low-carbon electricity to power more than 4 million homes annually, helping to cut reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the UK’s ambition of building a cleaner, more secure energy mix.

Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, commented:
“The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come. Our longstanding involvement in the UK nuclear industry is an investment in Britain’s energy independence and thousands of high-quality jobs. Our recent investments in Sizewell C and the Isle of Grain LNG Terminal further underscore our commitment to securing the UK’s energy future through a range of low-carbon technologies.”

The additional lifetime extensions since December 2024 are expected to contribute around 12 terawatt hours (TWh) of extra generation for Centrica between 2026 and 2030, with today’s decision accounting for approximately 3 TWh.

This follows Centrica’s recently announced strategic investment in the UK’s future nuclear infrastructure with a 15% equity stake in Sizewell C, the new 3.2GW power station currently under construction in Suffolk. Centrica has committed £1.3 billion to the project, which once complete will supply zero-carbon baseload power for at least 60 years.

The decision to extend Heysham 1 and Hartlepool was taken following inspections of the graphite cores earlier this year. The findings supported the stations’ continued safe operation, and the new timelines were formally approved at a licensee board meeting on 1 September 2025.

Notes to Editors

• The total life extensions announced since December 2024 are expected to add up to 60TWh total, or 12TWh at Centrica’s 20% share (of which 3TWh relates to today’s announcement).
• This latest lifetime extension is the most likely view.
• These dates are forecasts, and the precise dates will be determined by the results of regular graphite inspections and how those results are interpreted by the operator, and by the independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
• End of generation dates are kept under review and revised based on the best information available at the time.
• Decisions on end of generation dates for nuclear power stations in the UK are independent of the regulator or government and are taken by the licensee board following recommendations.
• The decision on the change of generation dates for the two stations was taken following a licensee board meeting on 1 September 2025.
• The results of inspections of the graphite cores during 2025 have supported the decision to extend station lifetimes.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
T: 01784 843000
E: media@centrica.com

Investor Relations
E: IR@centrica.com

SOURCE: Centrica plc