British Gas owner Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) said its electricity generation volumes will be increased by around nine terawatt hours between 2026 and 2030 after extensions were agreed in the life of four EDF-run nuclear power stations.
The advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) power stations, which EDF runs but Centrica has a 20% stake, have been given lifetime extensions following a review process to see if they could continue providing energy without compromising safety.
Two, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, have been given one-year extensions to March 2027, with two extra years for Heysham 2 and Torness out to March 2030.
Chris O'Shea, Centrica chief executive said: "At a time when energy security is uppermost in people's mind, I'm delighted that we're able to extend the operating window of the UK's nuclear fleet, which is critical to UK security of supply and the country's net zero ambitions.
"In an energy system that is becoming ever more intermittent, baseload power generation that doesn't depend on the sun shining and the wind blowing is essential to keeping the lights on."
A spokesperson for the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said: “As the independent nuclear regulator, we are conscious of the nation's energy challenges and government aspirations to achieve net zero.
"To this end, we will always endeavour to regulate in an enabling manner, working constructively with EDF on its lifetime extension ambitions, while ensuring it achieves the required standards of safety and security in the most practical way.
“Although their plant life extension decisions do not need formal regulatory assessment or permissioning by ONR, it is a requirement of the site licence that operations be carried out under a valid safety case.
“Several safety cases at each station are likely to require updating to achieve EDF’s stated ambitions, together with investment in plant to sustain equipment reliability, all while ensuring that the necessary people and skills are available.
“The ongoing safety of operations at any nuclear site must be fully demonstrated to us as part of ongoing regulation which will be informed though our extensive inspection and assessment regime."