THE operating life of the Hartlepool nuclear plant is to be extended by two years to March 2026, EDF Energy has announced.

The news was welcomed as "fantastic news", safeguarding hundreds of jobs.

Andrew Bowie, the UK's first Nuclear Minister, was on a visit to the power station with Hartlepool MP Jill Mortimer.

He said: "What a day to be in Hartlepool," adding: "That's great for the plant here, for everyone who works here, good for the community and testament to the great work that Jill is doing here."

Mr's Mortimer said: "I think it's down to the people of EDF, I wish I could take the credit. What we have got to do now is look to building for the future."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Hartlepool and this investment is very much welcomed by all.

"We will continue to fight for a new nuclear power station in Hartlepool and the fact that EDF are extending the life of the power station is a huge vote of confidence in their workforce and in the people of Hartlepool.

“It safeguards hundreds of local jobs in Hartlepool, and it will help secure our energy needs and keep the lights on as the Russia/Ukraine war sadly continues.

“This is a good day for Hartlepool, and I will continue to fight for further investment in clean technology and local jobs.”

EDF is also extending the generating life of Heysham I nuclear power station in Lancashire

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “These extensions will provide a huge boost to the UK’s short-term energy security.

"More nuclear baseload will relieve some of the pressure on the grid, cut gas imports and cut carbon. It’s an enormous credit to the skill and dedication of the station staff that these reactors have been able to operate for so long and contribute so much to the nation.

“Alongside life extensions for our existing stations, we still need a new fleet of large-scale and small-scale reactors to ensure our energy security for the long-term.

"The budget next week should give Great British Nuclear the funding and the powers to get new projects going and give us assets that will generate clean energy for the rest of this century.

"That’s what we did 60 years ago, and that’s what we need to do today.”

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Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary of the Prospect trade union, said: “The safe extension of operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations for two years is a welcome decision by EDF working with Office for Nuclear Regulation.

“This decision, which Prospect has been pressing for, will help maintain thousands of skilled jobs as well as provide a significant amount of secure low carbon electricity.

“The government must now build on this by committing to a fully-funded Great British Nuclear in next week’s budget, and by putting a plan in place for a whole generation of new nuclear power stations beyond Hinkley Point C and Sizewell B.”