Centrica to extend life of two nuclear power stations

Energy giant Centrica has announced plans to extend the lives of two UK nuclear power stations. The British Gas parent firm said the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations are now expected to close in March 2026, two years later than originally planned. The group’s boss Chris O’Shea said the move is part of efforts to “bolster security of supply” amid wider uncertainty in the sector. Centrica added that the extensions are set to increase its electricity generation volumes by six terawatthours between 2024 and 2026, or around 70 per cent of its total nuclear volumes in 2022. The energy firm last month saw its profits more than treble to more than £3bn for 2022 amid rocketing energy prices that have sparked a cost of living crisis.