The decades-long process of decommissioning Hartlepool’s nuclear power station has begun. Preparations are being made for the first stage, ‘defuelling’, to begin in March 2024 – a process that will take around five years and will cease electricity production. That is just the beginning of the process and will allow for decommissioning to begin which will take between 15 and 20 years. The reactors will then be left dormant for a further 80 years before they can be safely dismantled. As the process formally begins, ITV Tyne Tees was invited inside to take a look at the past, present and future of nuclear power in Hartlepool. Are there plans for nuclear power at the site once the current plant ceases production? This question is hard to answer for certain. Hartlepool was confirmed as a ‘designated nuclear site’ in the Government’s 7 April energy strategy, which promises more investment in nuclear energy. The Prime Minister told ITV Tyne Tees the government is “looking at several [reactors] on this site.” This has not been confirmed, and the GMB Union has asked for clarity.
ITV 24th June 2022 read more »