Hunterston B is to close down two years earlier than expected, with the site set to cease operations next year. 

Operator EDF says the power plant will move into the defueling phase no later than the first week of January 2022, subject to a further inspection in spring next year. 

The company had hoped to keep generating electricity at the site until 2023, however there have been protests from locals and officials about the safety of the reactor. 

The process of defueling the plant is expected to take several years, which will help sustain some local jobs in Ayrshire. 

Reactor 4 at the plant is expected to return to service on September 17 for a six month run, subject to approval from the Office for Nuclear Regulation. 

Matt Sykes, Managing Director for EDF’s Generation business, said: “Hunterston B has quietly delivered a major contribution to the UK for more than 40 years. 

“It has far exceeded its original remit and, over its lifetime, gone on to safely produce enough low carbon energy to power the whole of Scotland for 8 years.

“Our focus is on continuing to safely deliver the last period of power generation and then transition the station into decommissioning.”  

Simone Rossi, EDF’s UK CEO, said: “I am extremely proud of all those who have run Hunterston B for more than 40 years. 

“Today’s announcement underlines the urgent need for investment in new, low carbon nuclear power to help Britain achieve net zero and secure the future for its nuclear industry, supply chain and workers.” 

Hunterston B employs around 500 staff and 250 contractors on the site and contributes £54 million to the North Ayrshire economy each year. 

In 2018 it was estimated the Hunterston site produced around 15 per cent of Scotland’s electricity.