Life extension sought for UK's oldest nuclear plant
05 November 2008
The UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has appealed to the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) to extend the life of the UK's oldest operating nuclear power station, Oldbury, due to close in December 2008. One of the twin 217 MWe Magnox generators in Gloucestershire was recently shut down for inspection of its graphite core, but was restarted in August. The extensions are sought as part of plans to raise more money for decommissioning. The NDA said in September that changing economic circumstances and rising electricity prices made it increasingly feasible that life extensions would become economically viable considering the investment in safety upgrades that will be needed. It has submitted a safety case to the NII which is currently being assessed. Land adjacent to the site is to be sold off by the NDA and is one of a number of sites being considered for new nuclear development. EOn has signed a connection agreement with National Grid for a 1600 MWe generating unit at Oldbury from April 2020.