The investment would take the total invested to nearly pound9 billion since 2009 when it acquired the facilities, it said in a statement, adding that it also planned to hire more than 1,000 people in 2024 in the UK.

The UK currently has nine operational nuclear reactors on five sites managed by EDF but many are nearing the end of their operating lives.

Six reactors on three sites have been shut down since 2021 and will be dismantled.

However, EDF announced last March that it was extending the life of two British power plants -- Heysham 1 and Hartlepool.

The UK intends to build up to eight new reactors by 2050.

"Without EDF's investment and expertise, Sizewell B power station would be the only operational nuclear power station in the UK today and nuclear would provide just 3 percent of the UK's power consumption rather than the 13 percent," the firm added.

Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF's Nuclear Operations business, said EDF had delivered over 35 percent more clean power in the UK than initially forecast.

He said EDF aims to extend Sizewell B in Suffolk in eastern England by a further 20 years. with a final investment decision to be taken in 2025.

har/phz/rl