Dungeness nuclear plant life to be extended

The French energy giant said the extension would be enabled by a £150 million investment programme at the plant.

These agreements provide us with the structure to…safely maximise the output from EDF Energy’s existing fleet of nuclear stations

Cavendish Nuclear MD Roger Hardy

Investments already made include a £75 million upgrade to control room computer systems and £8 million on enhanced flood defences.

Dungeness B’s life extension comes as part of a wider programme to extend the operating life of all seven of EDF’s Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power stations in the UK and its Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) at Sizewell B.

Babcock International-owned Cavendish Nuclear signed a £40 million per year deal with EDF to provide all eight plants support that includes the carrying out of inspections of graphite in the reactors and maintaining gas circulators.

Cavendish was also one of several firms that today joined the EDF Energy Strategic Partnership for Lifetime Interface Agreement.

This partnership with EDF, which also includes Amec Foster Wheeler, Atkins and Doosan Babcock, aims to share knowledge and best practice among the firms to help extend the lives of the seven AGR nuclear power plants.

Cavendish Nuclear managing director Roger Hardy said: “Cavendish Nuclear, along with the other Strategic Partners, are committed to supporting EDF Energy in their vital mission of keeping the lights on in the UK. 

”These agreements provide us with the structure to do that and to safely maximise the output from EDF Energy’s existing fleet of nuclear stations.”