4 December 2012 Last updated at 02:15 ET
EDF Energy is extending the operational life of two of its UK nuclear power stations by seven years.
Hinkley Point B in Somerset, and Hunterston B in North Ayrshire, are now expected to remain operational until 2023. Both had been due to cease generation in 2016.
Two other nuclear plants, Heysham in Lancashire, and Hartlepool had their life extended by two years in 2010.
EDF also hopes to build a new power station at the Hinkley Point site.
Last month it took the first step towards that goal when its subsidiary NNB Generation Company was granted a nuclear site licence by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
The licence means the company has developed the required plans, procedures and structures to build a new power station.
However, the government still needs to give the go-ahead before it can be built. A permit is also required from the Environment Agency.
BBC News – Business
EDF extends nuclear plants’ life
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