Half of nuclear power stations closed for repairs (UK)

[jpak]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/nuclear/article/0,,2197499,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

Almost half Britain's nuclear power stations are currently shut down for repairs or maintenance, the Nuclear Industry Association said today.
The nuclear power company British Energy yesterday revealed that units in Hartlepool and Heysham, near Morecambe, Lancashire, had been shut down after problems were detected during inspections.

John McNamara, a spokesman for the NIA, confirmed that this brought the number of inactive stations to seven of the UK's 16 reactors, which between them produce around 18% of the nation's electricity.

Energy expert Professor Ian Fells, of Newcastle University, said problems with ageing power plants could mean the lights going out if the winter was cold.

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