Heysham 2 takes top UK nuclear generation title

Heysham 2 power station, in Lancashire, is the UK's most productive nuclear power station after achieving a record-breaking generation milestone over the Christmas period.

Over its 37-year lifetime, the EDF-owned station has generated almost 311TWh of low carbon electricity, enough to power every home in Lancashire for more than 180 years.

By reaching this milestone, Heysham 2 has overtaken Hinkley Point B in Somerset, which previously held the record and stopped generating in 2022 on 310.7TWh.

Heysham 2 is one of seven Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) stations in the UK, the first of which, Hinkley Point B, came online almost 50 years ago.

For decades, the fleet has delivered reliable baseload electricity and helped maintain grid stability, which has become increasingly important as the UK’s energy system decarbonises and traditional thermal plants, such as coal and gas, are replaced by renewable sources.

It comes after Lancashire Business View reported in September last yearthat the Heysham nuclear power stations will continue generating for an extra 12 months until March 2028.  

The power station was due to move into defueling in March 2027 based on a review in December 2024.

Since the Heysham sites became operational in the 1980s, they have been a cornerstone of employment in the region, providing stable, long-term careers for local people.

Its continued operation not only provides hundreds of skilled roles every year but also supports the wider economy in the area through apprenticeships, training opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses.

Sean Kyle is an Operations Support Engineer and has worked at Heysham 2 since 1985, he said: “I consider myself very fortunate to have worked at Heysham 2 for all these years.

"The station has given me a varied and interesting career, and I feel proud to have been part of the journey from commissioning to the present day.”

It is estimated that the station has saved over 108 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, which is equivalent to taking every car off the UK’s roads for almost two years.

Since acquiring the nuclear fleet 15 years ago, EDF has invested more than £8.6bn and is investing a further £1.2bn over the next three years (2026-2028) to help sustain current levels of generation, boost energy security, and cut carbon.

Martin Cheetham, Heysham 2 station director, said: “Reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement for Heysham 2 and a testament to the dedication of our team.

“Knowing that this amount of energy is enough to power every home in Lancashire for more than 180 years really brings home the scale of what we’ve delivered for the region and the country over the years.

“Through construction and generation, the station has been part of the community for more than 45 years, providing thousands of jobs and, along with Heysham 1, contributing more than £28bn to the UK economy.”

Heysham 2 employs approximately 520 full-time EDF employees plus more than 250 full-time contract partners.