EDF Energy submitted its decommissioning application to ONR in September 2024, accompanied by an environmental statement. The statement included a detailed assessment of potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures to prevent or reduce significant adverse effects. ONR conducted a thorough review, including public consultation and evaluation of the Habitats Regulations Assessment. Following this assessment, ONR concluded that the environmental statement is complete, of high quality, and aligned with relevant good practice, and that the proposed mitigation measures are sufficient to address potential environmental risks.
Dan Hasted, ONR Director of Regulation – Operating Facilities Directorate, said: “After careful assessment and public consultation, we are satisfied that EDF's decommissioning plans for Hinkley Point B include appropriate measures to protect people and the environment. We will continue to proportionately regulate the Hinkley Point B site throughout the decommissioning phase to ensure the licensee complies with applicable legislation to safeguard workers and the public.”
The Hinkley Point B site will be transferred from EDF Energy to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NRS will oversee the full decommissioning process, which includes dismantling and demolishing plant structures, clearing the site, and restoring the area for future use.
Hinkley Point B is part of the UK’s AGR fleet, which includes Torness and Hunterston B in Scotland, Dungeness B in Kent, Hartlepool in Teesside, and Heysham 1 and 2 in Lancashire. All seven AGR plants are scheduled for closure by 2028. Currently, four AGR plants remain operational: Hartlepool and Heysham 1 are expected to operate until March 2026 and March 2027, respectively, while Heysham 2 and Torness are projected to generate electricity until March 2030.
The approval marks a key milestone in the UK’s nuclear decommissioning program, ensuring that the shutdown and dismantling of Hinkley Point B will be conducted safely, efficiently, and with careful management of environmental and public safety considerations. EDF Energy and NRS will collaborate closely to implement the decommissioning plan while adhering to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
The decommissioning of Hinkley Point B represents a significant step in the UK’s transition from aging nuclear facilities, supporting the broader national strategy to manage the end-of-life of legacy power plants while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
