Energy company EDF has announced that its Heysham 2 nuclear power station in the UK has reached a significant generation milestone, positioning it to become the country’s most productive nuclear power station.
The station has now generated 300 terawatt hours (TWh) of low-carbon electricity, a quantity sufficient to power every home in Lancashire for 147 years.
This achievement underscores the role of advanced gas-cooled reactor stations, including Heysham 2, in the UK’s energy mix.
Heysham 2’s output is second only to Hinkley Point B, which ceased generation in July 2022 with a total of 311TWh.
EDF estimates that Heysham 2’s operation has prevented 105 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equating to the removal of all cars from UK roads for two years.
This contributes significantly to the country’s carbon reduction efforts and enhances energy security.
Heysham 2 was due to stop power generation in 2023 after 35 years of operation.
Its present end-of-generation date is March 2028. However, EDF aims to generate further from the facility, subject to plant inspections and approvals from regulatory authorities.
With more than £7.5bn already invested, an additional £1.3bn is earmarked up to 2027 to sustain generation levels and support the UK’s carbon reduction targets.
Out of the eight nuclear power station sites in the UK managed by EDF, five are currently generating electricity and three are in the initial stages of decommissioning.
Heysham 2 director Martin Cheetham stated: “This achievement really highlights the station’s ongoing and significant role in providing reliable electricity to support the UK’s energy needs.
“Through construction and generation, the station has been part of the community for 44 years, providing thousands of jobs and along with Heysham 1 contributing over £30 million to the local economy each year.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, some of whom have been here since we began generating in 1988, and all of them helping to lead the transition to a cleaner, low-carbon electric future.”
