New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Sizewell B nuclear plant wins 20-year life extension to 2055
14/7/2026
News
The Suffolk nuclear power plant, which generates around 3% of the UK’s electricity, will continue supplying power to approximately 2.5 million homes under the extended agreement.
The extension will enable Sizewell B to maintain its current output (1,200MWe) while supporting around 900 jobs at the site through to 2055.
The government said continued operation of the plant would reduce overall energy system costs compared with building alternative generation capacity, while also strengthening the UK’s energy security.
The government and EDF have agreed terms for a 20-year Contract for Difference (CfD) price guarantee at £70.50/MWh in 2025 prices, starting in 2035 – the plant’s original closure date – with support and investment from Centrica.
The announcement is part of wider government support for nuclear energy, including plans for small modular reactors in Anglesey and the construction of a new twin-reactor nuclear plant next door, Sizewell C, set to generate 3,260MW. Sizewell A houses two Magnox reactors, now shut down.
NEA report highlights barriers to scaling nuclear capacity worldwide
New analysis from the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) reinforces the importance of extending the operating lives of existing reactors as countries seek to scale up nuclear capacity.
The report finds that meeting global ambitions to significantly increase nuclear energy will require accelerated growth in workforce capacity, supply chains and financing, alongside maximising output from the current fleet.
It outlines four scenarios for global nuclear capacity to 2050, ranging from 347GW in a low case to around 1.3TW in a transformative scenario, more than tripling current levels.
According to the NEA, achieving this level of expansion would require significant changes in policy, industrial capability, project delivery and financing, particularly in OECD countries.
The report also highlights a shift in nuclear development towards non-OECD countries. While OECD countries account for around 78% of existing capacity, approximately 80% of the 70GW currently under construction is in non-OECD countries, with China accounting for more than 33GW.
Long-term operation of existing reactors is identified as a key factor in maintaining capacity. Many OECD reactors are due to reach the end of their initial licences before 2040 and extending their lifetimes to 60 or 80 years could help preserve low-carbon generation. However, more than 50GW of OECD capacity has not yet secured licences to operate to 2040.
The report also identifies supply chain, workforce and financing constraints as major challenges to higher deployment scenarios. Global investment in nuclear new build has averaged around $30bn/y and would need to increase significantly to meet higher growth pathways.
The NEA concludes that closing the gap between ambition and delivery will require coordinated action from governments, industry and financial institutions, alongside measures to attract private capital and manage project risks.
