Residents near the Heysham 2 nuclear power plant in Morecambe, UK reported a loud bang and a mushroom-shaped cloud of steam on June 17. The power plant plant’s operator, EDF, said the event was no cause for alarm. The cloud, they explained, was “clean steam” caused by a reactor unit coming offline unexpectedly. The fire service was called to the area but ultimately ruled its services were not necessary.
This isn’t the first incident at the Heysham 2 plant – it went offline due to an issue with the high-voltage transmission system run by National Grid over Christmas. The plant is the only one in the UK with two nuclear power stations currently operating. The first, Heysham 1, began operations in 1983 and has two advanced gas cooled reactors scheduled to close in 2027. The second plant, which started generating in 1988, is set to close in 2030 and has two gas-cooled reactors.
EDF said that it is working to reestablish the cause of the plant’s trip and bring the unit back online. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service stated that its services proved unnecessary in relation to the incident.
Listeners of BBC Radio Lancashire can follow up on the story and receive the latest updates by utilizing BBC Sounds. They can also monitor the ongoing situation via BBC Lancashire’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. The story is yet another reminder of the potential dangers associated with nuclear power generation
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