Dungeness B nuclear power station will continue to operate until at least 2028, EDF Energy has announced today.

This is an extension of 10 years to its current licence.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins welcomed the announcement.

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He said: "Nuclear power at Dungeness has been, and will remain, a major part of our local economy and this is particularly good news for Romney Marsh.

"The announcement provides peace of mind for the 550 people directly employed at Dungeness B and the additional 200 contractors who regularly work at the site.

"Overall, as well as generating enough power each year to supply 1.5 million homes, EDF Energy at Dungeness B makes an annual contribution of more than £40 million into our local economy through the wages paid to its employees."

EDF invested more than £150 million into the site to support the extension of its licence.

A recent government review, proposed by Mr Collins and led by the Department for the Environment, declared it may be possible to build a new nuclear power station at Dungeness to take over when Dungeness B finally closes.

Mr Collins added: "I will continue to press the case with the government for the longer term future of nuclear energy at Dungeness, beyond 2028.

The decision was formally announced this morning by EDF Energy chief executive, Vincent de Rivaz. He said: “The decision to extend the life of Dungeness B is only possible because of the collaboration, innovation and technical expertise of EDF Energy and its long-term partners. Customers will benefit from this significant investment through many more years of reliable, low carbon electricity.”

Martin Pearson, Station Director at Dungeness B, said: “We’ve invested heavily in Dungeness so that we could make the case to safely extend its life by 10 years.

“Life extension means the station will continue to provide hundreds of skilled jobs and provide a launchpad for the apprentices who will begin their careers at Dungeness B. We’ll also carry on contributing more than £40 million to the local economy in Kent and East Sussex.”