EDF Energy has stated that a 20-year extension for the Sizewell B nuclear power site is “technically feasible” and that it is in negotiations with the Government over the potentially required investment.

Sizewell B in Suffolk, the only pressurised-water reactor in the UK, supplies nearly 1.2 gigawatts of electricity to the grid, with several other EDF-owned sites containing advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs), many of which are nearing the end of their life.

Nuclear power stations account for 12% of the UK’s electricity consumption, and numerous AGRs have recently had their life extended for a few more years amid concerns of a future supply gap. Last September, a further year was added to the forecast lifetimes of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, taking them out until March 2028.

The UK arm of French-owned EDF, which has an 80% stake in UK nuclear sites, as well as British Gas owner Centrica which has a 20% stake, today revealed they would be prepared to invest £1.2bn over the next three years to keep several power stations until at least 2030.

EDF also said that “work continues” to agree a commercial model that would be required to support a 20-year Sizewell B life extension, which would take the site to 2055, and unlock an estimated £800m of investment in the station.

“EDF believes a 20-year life extension for Sizewell B is technically feasible and would provide a reliable, clean source of power to 2055 and beyond,” a statement by the energy company said. “Negotiations are ongoing with the UK Government to agree a long-term price for the power that will enable the required investment to make this extension happen.”

Managing director of EDF’s nuclear operations business, Mark Hartley, commented: “In November, the UK Government said that the retirement of the AGRs risks leaving a dangerous gap in Britain’s low-carbon energy supply.

“It is our ambition to generate from the remaining AGR stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable to do so and we will keep their lifetimes under review to assess whether further life extensions can be achieved.

Hartley added: “Sizewell B had a strong year, operating for 99% of the time and delivering the second highest output in its 30-year history, once again demonstrating the value of nuclear as a stable baseload generator.”

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