A potential short-term reprieve for Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station is still on the table, with council chiefs adding the land is also a "very attractive site" for a potential new reactor.

The future of Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station was brought up by councillors at the latest meeting of the local authority's finance and policy committee. The reactor at the EDF power station on Brenda Road is currently due to begin the decommissioning process from 2024.

However, Denise McGuckin, council managing director, speaking at the committee meeting, said a biannual report from the site is currently with the relevant national office, which could look to prolong the life of the station.

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She said: "My understanding is that report is with the body now and it may be, although we can't guarantee this, it may be that it is extended."

A spokesperson for EDF Energy in September said the company would review the case for a "short extension" for Hartlepool Power Station to "generate beyond the current forecast of March 2024". This was "in light of the severity of the energy crisis and the results of recent graphite inspections".

Mrs McGuckin also talked up the potential of Hartlepool in the future being host to one of the smaller modular nuclear reactors proposed as part of the national Energy Security Strategy.

She added: "We are a very attractive site for the advanced nuclear reactors and the small modular reactors as well. A number of companies have been talking to Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority about looking at modular reactors to go on that site."

Speaking in April 2022, Hartlepool MP Jill Mortimer said the town was "at the front of the queue" for a new nuclear reactor.

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