Lifespan of four nuclear power stations extended

The four power stations support around 3,000 workers and can generate up to 4.6 gigawatts of electricity.

That’s enough to power about 4.5 million homes.

The decision to extend the lives of the power stations will help bridge the gap before EDF’S Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset begins generating around 2030.

The company made the decision following a year-long review into the four sites.

A separate review is looking at the possibility of extending its Sizewell B facility in Suffolk for a further 20 years.

Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF’s nuclear operations business, said the decision to continue operating the four sites was testament to the workers and the billions it has invested.

He added: “When EDF acquired these stations in 2009 they were all due to end generation by early 2023 which would have left the UK with just one generating nuclear power station at Sizewell B.

“Careful stewardship and around £8bn of investment has seen several life extensions for these stations and much higher output than was predicted.”