Nov 4, 2025
EDF receives approval for the decommissioning of Hinkley Point B.
The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation has officially approved EDF Energy's request to decommission the Hinkley Point B nuclear power plant in Somerset, England.
Hinkley Point B, which consists of two Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs), was connected to the electricity grid in February 1976 and produced over 311 terawatt-hours of electricity before being permanently closed in August 2022. Both reactors have since been defueled as the site prepares for decommissioning.
In September of the previous year, EDF Energy submitted a decommissioning application to the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which sought input from stakeholders on the environmental statement to inform its decision.
After a public consultation and thorough evaluation by ONR inspectors of EDF's environmental statement and Habitats Regulations Assessment, ONR has approved EDF Energy’s decommissioning plans.
The environmental statement included a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact for the decommissioning project, along with mitigation measures to minimize significant adverse effects. ONR is satisfied that the statement offers sufficient measures to tackle environmental impacts and considers it complete, high-quality, and aligned with best practices.
The Hinkley Point B site will be handed over from EDF to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which will handle the decommissioning involving dismantling the plant, site clearance, and restoration.
"After thorough evaluation and public feedback, we believe EDF's decommissioning plans for Hinkley Point B have suitable protections for people and the environment," stated Dan Hasted, ONR Director of Regulation – Operating Facilities Directorate. "We will continue to oversee the Hinkley Point B site throughout the decommissioning phase to ensure compliance with legal requirements to protect workers and the public."
All seven AGR plants in the UK, which include Torness and Hunterston B in Scotland, Dungeness B in Kent, Hartlepool in Teesside, Heysham 1 and 2 in Lancashire, and Hinkley Point B in Somerset, are expected to be closed by 2028.
Currently, four AGR plants are still operational, with Hartlepool and Heysham 1 expected to run until March 2026 and March 2027, respectively, while Heysham 2 and Torness are projected to operate until March 2030.
Hinkley Point B, which consists of two Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs), was connected to the electricity grid in February 1976 and produced over 311 terawatt-hours of electricity before being permanently closed in August 2022. Both reactors have since been defueled as the site prepares for decommissioning.
In September of the previous year, EDF Energy submitted a decommissioning application to the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which sought input from stakeholders on the environmental statement to inform its decision.
After a public consultation and thorough evaluation by ONR inspectors of EDF's environmental statement and Habitats Regulations Assessment, ONR has approved EDF Energy’s decommissioning plans.
The environmental statement included a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact for the decommissioning project, along with mitigation measures to minimize significant adverse effects. ONR is satisfied that the statement offers sufficient measures to tackle environmental impacts and considers it complete, high-quality, and aligned with best practices.
The Hinkley Point B site will be handed over from EDF to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which will handle the decommissioning involving dismantling the plant, site clearance, and restoration.
"After thorough evaluation and public feedback, we believe EDF's decommissioning plans for Hinkley Point B have suitable protections for people and the environment," stated Dan Hasted, ONR Director of Regulation – Operating Facilities Directorate. "We will continue to oversee the Hinkley Point B site throughout the decommissioning phase to ensure compliance with legal requirements to protect workers and the public."
All seven AGR plants in the UK, which include Torness and Hunterston B in Scotland, Dungeness B in Kent, Hartlepool in Teesside, Heysham 1 and 2 in Lancashire, and Hinkley Point B in Somerset, are expected to be closed by 2028.
Currently, four AGR plants are still operational, with Hartlepool and Heysham 1 expected to run until March 2026 and March 2027, respectively, while Heysham 2 and Torness are projected to operate until March 2030.