When Hartlepool’s nuclear power station came online in 1983, it had an initial lifespan of 25 years. Now in its 43rd year, its operator has announced another extension. While the news has been welcomed by hundreds of employees, is it safe to keep doing so?
“Yeah, absolutely,” is the short answer from Mark Wenman, professor of nuclear materials at Imperial College London.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which Wenman describes as a “very stringent regulator”, would not grant a licence unless they were sure it was safe to do so, he said.
Hartlepool is one of five sites, including Heysham 1 and Sizewell B, which have had their lifespans extended multiple times.
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