Maintenance shutdown of nuclear reactors in the UK raises spectre of winter blackouts

Delays in restarting four key nuclear power stations following a safety shutdown, could see the UK in the grip of an electricity crisis this winter, Mail Online reported.

The shutdowns have led to a worrisome supply situation with questions being raised as to whether the National Grid would be able to maintain supply to homes and businesses.

The squeeze is now likely to lead to a scenario where major energy users, such as factories, are paid millions to shut down during peak evening demand.

The shutdowns have become necessary to ensure adequate supply of electricity on the grid to keep the lights and heating on.

In a separate development, power firms have been asked by National Grid to boost supplies this winter to cover the threatened shortfall.

The problems reflect the inadequacies in the UK's energy supply system, say commentators. The billions spent on green energy would also be called into question.

Fears over winter supplies were voiced after the temporary shutdown of four nuclear reactors owned by EDF Energy.

A crack detected at a boiler in one of the reactors in August had led to the closure which was expected to be short term.

The French power giant, however has now warned that there would only be a 'phased return' between the end of October and the end of December.

According to analyst Peter Atherton, of Liberum Capital, these were old reactors where resolving one problem, led to the discovery of another, that then was unknown.

Meanwhile, Centrica, the owner of British Gas, issued a profit warning on the news, as it held a 20-per cent stake in EDF'S UK nuclear power operations, City AM reported.

Further, National Grid, revealed the launch a year early of its supplemental balancing reserve plan, aimed at boosting energy supply during high demand periods and limited spare capacity margin, due to concerns over shortages this winter.

EDF, in an announcement yesterday, said, ''We have already taken the sensible precaution to tender for supplementary balancing reserve this winter, owing to uncertainty over plant availability. The tender process – which does not specify volumes – is sufficiently flexible to cater for any new information from the market.''

Of the 15 nuclear reactors EDF has in eight power stations in the UK, 10 are currently in service.