A review of electrical plant life extension in the CEGB

The time to construct a power station in the United Kingdom from initial planning decisions through to first unit commissioning is approximately 9-10 years. Therefore, there is always the problem as to whether if there is a sustained increase in demand and an economic upturn in the country, the necessary consents and construction activity can be made to secure capacity or not. The extension of life of plant is, of course, an option in these circumstances whereby plant scheduled for decommissioning is retained in service for longer than initially planned