(Alliance News) - Centrica PLC on Tuesday said it plans to extend the lives of its Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations.
The Windsor, England-based owner of British Gas said the power stations are expected to remain in operation until March 2026, two years later than previously forecast.
The two power stations had been scheduled for defuelling and decommissioning in March next year.
The company said the extensions would add 6 terawatt hours to its electricity generation volumes between 2024 and 2026, representing about 70% of Centrica's total nuclear volumes in 2022.
Chief Executive Officer Chris O'Shea said: "I'm delighted we've been able to work with EDF to strengthen the UK's energy security by extending the life of these critical power stations.
"This continues our action to bolster security of supply in our core markets, which includes reopening the Rough gas storage facility in the UK, sanctioning new gas-fired electricity generation capacity in Ireland, and securing increased volumes of gas and renewable power for our customers. We will continue to focus on supporting energy security in our core markets during these uncertain times."
Centrica shares rose 0.6% to 104.55 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.
By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter
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Centrica (CNA)