UK Dungeness B nuclear plant will get ten year life extension until 2028

EDF Energy has announced a ten-year life extension for Dungeness B nuclear reactor. The two-unit advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) plant will continue generating electricity until 2028. The company has also signed new contracts supporting the ongoing operations of its UK fleet.

Dungeness B’s two 545 MWe AGR reactors started up in 1983 and 1985 respectively. The plant’s life extension is part of EDF Energy’s strategy to keep its UK nuclear fleet in operation until at least 2023 – the date that its planned new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point C is due to be commissioned.

“This means existing nuclear can hand over directly to the next generation of nuclear power stations without the need for more fossil fuel generation,” said EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz. Hinkley C is still subject to a final investment decision.