Menu
04/09/2014
EDF To Close Four Nuclear Reactors
Four nuclear reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations are to shut down to allow a detailed programme of boiler inspections to take place, EDF Energy has announced.
The action was taken after the discovery of a crack on a component known as a boiler spine at Heysham 1. Hartlepool power station was also shut down because both stations share the same design with each of its 16 boilers supported by this boiler spine component.
Other advanced gas-cooled reactors in the UK have a different and more conventional boiler design without a boiler spine and they are manufactured from different materials, therefore there is no risk that they could suffer from the same issue.
EDF Energy has put in place a detailed and fully resourced boiler inspection programme at both sites and further boiler inspections are now underway. This has involved working with key suppliers to identify and put the necessary equipment and people in place to undertake this complex and specialised engineering programme.
Engineers have recently been able to begin their inspections and the first two inspections have been completed.
The engineers found no defects on these spines.
During the coming weeks the programme team will focus on completing the inspections and work to build a robust case for the safe continuing operation of the boilers. This 'safety case' is subject to approval from the independent nuclear regulator, the ONR (Office for Nuclear Regulation).
Depending on the progress of the programme and any necessary modifications, the company expects there to be a phased return to service between the end of October and the end of December, 2014.
(CD/IT)
The action was taken after the discovery of a crack on a component known as a boiler spine at Heysham 1. Hartlepool power station was also shut down because both stations share the same design with each of its 16 boilers supported by this boiler spine component.
Other advanced gas-cooled reactors in the UK have a different and more conventional boiler design without a boiler spine and they are manufactured from different materials, therefore there is no risk that they could suffer from the same issue.
EDF Energy has put in place a detailed and fully resourced boiler inspection programme at both sites and further boiler inspections are now underway. This has involved working with key suppliers to identify and put the necessary equipment and people in place to undertake this complex and specialised engineering programme.
Engineers have recently been able to begin their inspections and the first two inspections have been completed.
The engineers found no defects on these spines.
During the coming weeks the programme team will focus on completing the inspections and work to build a robust case for the safe continuing operation of the boilers. This 'safety case' is subject to approval from the independent nuclear regulator, the ONR (Office for Nuclear Regulation).
Depending on the progress of the programme and any necessary modifications, the company expects there to be a phased return to service between the end of October and the end of December, 2014.
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2012
FSA Secures €77,000 For Victims Of Boiler Room Fraud
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has obtained a court order against Monobank Plc (Monobank) which paves the way for €77,000 (approximately £64,000) of redress to be paid to victims of a boiler room scam.
FSA Secures €77,000 For Victims Of Boiler Room Fraud
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has obtained a court order against Monobank Plc (Monobank) which paves the way for €77,000 (approximately £64,000) of redress to be paid to victims of a boiler room scam.
11 August 2004
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
17 February 2004
Nuclear watchdog chief to return to Libya
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency has confirmed that he will visit Libya next week to ensure that its nuclear programme has been placed on an exclusively peaceful footing. The Director-General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, will meet with senior Libyan officials on February 23 and 24.
Nuclear watchdog chief to return to Libya
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency has confirmed that he will visit Libya next week to ensure that its nuclear programme has been placed on an exclusively peaceful footing. The Director-General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, will meet with senior Libyan officials on February 23 and 24.
08 September 2009
Boiler Engineers 'In Hot Water'
A hidden camera investigation by Which? has found that some central heating boiler engineers are missing vital checks but charging customers for a full service. The consumer champion invited ten engineers to service a boiler which had been given a minor fault that could be fixed in minutes, by simply tightening a part.
Boiler Engineers 'In Hot Water'
A hidden camera investigation by Which? has found that some central heating boiler engineers are missing vital checks but charging customers for a full service. The consumer champion invited ten engineers to service a boiler which had been given a minor fault that could be fixed in minutes, by simply tightening a part.
19 December 2003
Iran agrees to on-the-spot inspections of nuclear facilities
Iran has signed an agreement with the United Nations nuclear watchdog agreeing to allow "enhanced, unannounced and on-the-spot inspections" of its atomic facilities.
Iran agrees to on-the-spot inspections of nuclear facilities
Iran has signed an agreement with the United Nations nuclear watchdog agreeing to allow "enhanced, unannounced and on-the-spot inspections" of its atomic facilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
