Four nuclear reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations are to shut down to allow a detailed programme of boiler inspections to take place, EDF Energy has announced.

The action was taken after the discovery of a crack on a component known as a boiler spine at Heysham 1. Hartlepool power station was also shut down because both stations share the same design with each of its 16 boilers supported by this boiler spine component.

Other advanced gas-cooled reactors in the UK have a different and more conventional boiler design without a boiler spine and they are manufactured from different materials, therefore there is no risk that they could suffer from the same issue.

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EDF Energy has put in place a detailed and fully resourced boiler inspection programme at both sites and further boiler inspections are now underway. This has involved working with key suppliers to identify and put the necessary equipment and people in place to undertake this complex and specialised engineering programme.

Engineers have recently been able to begin their inspections and the first two inspections have been completed.

The engineers found no defects on these spines.

During the coming weeks the programme team will focus on completing the inspections and work to build a robust case for the safe continuing operation of the boilers. This 'safety case' is subject to approval from the independent nuclear regulator, the ONR (Office for Nuclear Regulation).

Depending on the progress of the programme and any necessary modifications, the company expects there to be a phased return to service between the end of October and the end of December, 2014.

(CD/IT)