A large plume of steam and a loud bang from Heysham 2 nuclear power plant in the UK caused alarm among local residents, prompting calls to the fire service. However, EDF Energy, the plant operator, stated that the incident was routine and posed no risk to public safety.
Residents near the Heysham 2 nuclear power plant reported hearing a loud bang and witnessing a large, billowing cloud of steam emerging from the facility. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:00 PM GMT, prompted concerned citizens to contact Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Pictures circulating on social media depicted a mushroom-shaped white cloud hovering above the Heysham 2 plant.
EDF Energy, the operator of the plant, stated that the cloud consisted of 'clean steam' and was a result of an unexpected reactor unit shutting down. Although the fire service confirmed receiving calls regarding the incident, a spokesperson reassured the public that their services were not required. An EDF spokesperson explained that steam venting is a standard procedure when a reactor goes offline and poses no safety hazard. Located in Heysham, near Morecambe, the site is unique in the UK for hosting two operational nuclear power plants: Heysham 1 and Heysham 2. Heysham 1, which commenced operations in 1983, has two advanced gas-cooled reactors slated for closure in 2027. Heysham 2, operational since 1988, also possesses two gas-cooled reactors scheduled for decommissioning in 2030
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT STEAM VENTS EDF ENERGY HEYSHAM 2 REACTOR SHUTDOWN
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