EDF, which has a headquarters in Gloucester, plans to invest a further £1.3billion in the UK's five generating nuclear power stations.

Nuclear power accounts for 13% of the UK's power consumption.

The investment over the 2024-26 period will help sustain output at current levels, boost energy security and cut carbon emissions.

EDF also plans to hire over 1,000 people in 2024 across its various UK nuclear businesses.

Over the last 15 years, EDF has invested £7.5bn in the UK's eight nuclear power stations, alongside major investment into the Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell C projects. Three of those eight stations are now in the defueling phase, the first stage of decommissioning.

Dr Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF's nuclear operations business, said: "EDF has built a strong track record of safely operating the UK's existing nuclear fleet, delivering over 35% more clean power than initially forecast.

"Looking ahead, our aim is to maintain output from the four AGR stations for as long as possible and extend Sizewell B by a further 20 years, out to 2055. Maximising output also helps preserve the critical nuclear skills and capabilities that will be valuable for future nuclear projects."

Sizewell B power station in Suffolk has so far generated over 250TWh (Terrawatt hour) in its 29 years of operation and has the potential to generate for at least a further 20 years beyond its current end of generation date of 2035.

EDF manages the UK's eight nuclear power station sites, five that are generating (Sizewell B, Torness, Heysham 2, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool) and three that are defueling (Hunterston B, Hinkley Point B and Dungeness B).