EDF’s Nuclear Operations business published its annual fleet update

21 Jan EDF’s Nuclear Operations business published its annual fleet update

(Oilandgaspress) -, 2025 was a milestone year for the UK nuclear sector with the approval of Sizewell C, an important review into regulation of the nuclear sector led by John Fingleton, a Government decision on the future of the Wylfa site and new project proposals announced for the Cottam site (Holtec, EDF, Tritax) and Hartlepool (X Energy, Centrica).

This fleet update is published as EDF’s nuclear operations business prepares to recognise its own milestone, the 50th anniversary of when the UK’s first Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors started producing zero carbon electricity. Hinkley Point B connected to the grid on 5th February 1976, followed by Hunterston B the next day. Fifty years later, both of those stations are preparing to transfer to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) following the successful completion of defueling, on time and on budget. Hunterston B will be the first to transfer in April 2026.

Dr Mark Hartley, Managing Director of EDF’s Nuclear Operations business said: “In November, the UK Government said that the retirement of the AGRs risks leaving a dangerous gap in Britain’s low-carbon energy supply. It is our ambition to generate from the remaining AGR stations for as long as it is safe and commercially viable to do so and we will keep their lifetimes under review to assess whether further life extensions can be achieved.

He continued: “Sizewell B had a strong year, operating for 99% of the time and delivering the second highest output in its 30-year history, once again demonstrating the value of nuclear as a stable baseload generator.”

Minister for Nuclear, Lord Vallance said: “Nuclear is a vital component of our energy mix, providing clean homegrown power for millions of homes and supporting energy security while employing thousands of people across the country.

That is why it is excellent to see EDF investing in our existing nuclear power stations, and we are driving a new age of nuclear – backing Sizewell C in Suffolk and small modular reactors in North Wales.”

The annual fleet update outlines the UK nuclear fleet’s 2025 generation performance. Output last year was 32.9TWh, 12% lower than in 2024 due primarily to an extended outage at Hartlepool power station. This output represents about 12% of UK electricity demand and is enough to power every home in the UK for more than four months.

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