Issue 01 I September 2026
Fleet Focus Keith Jones
Business Unit Director Nuclear Generation
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the quarterly Altrad Operational Update, your behind-the-scenes insight into how our teams are supporting the EDF fleet to deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations. Our partnership with EDF has been built over many years on a shared commitment to safety, reliability and excellence across the fleet. As the industry’s challenges and opportunities continue to evolve, so too does our support, drawing on the strength and specialist expertise of the wider Altrad business to deliver increasingly complex engineering, maintenance and project solutions.
At the heart of every success are our people. Their knowledge, dedication and collaborative approach remain the foundation of everything we do. I am continually impressed by the way our teams work alongside EDF colleagues, combining deep station knowledge with specialist capabilities to overcome challenges, share best practice and deliver lasting value across the fleet.
This edition of the newsletter showcases the breadth of that capability in action. From access, insulation and mechanical services to major infrastructure projects, tank replacement, specialist engineering and innovative technologies, it highlights the diverse skills and expertise helping to support EDF’s operational objectives.
My thanks go to all across Altrad, EDF and our supply chain partners whose dedication has contributed to the achievements featured in this edition. Together, we continue to build on a strong partnership and support the safe and successful operation of the UK’s nuclear fleet.
People & Safety
Jason Young Head of Altrad Services & Altrad Babcock AGR
From Trinidad and Tobago to Heysham A: Innovative Mobilisation When Heysham A required additional welding expertise at short notice, Altrad was tasked with mobilising a specialist team within just five weeks. Working in partnership with EDF, Altrad developed a first-ofa-kind approach that enabled the accelerated deployment of six experienced professionals from Trinidad and Tobago, four welders and two platers, while maintaining the strict standards required within a nuclear environment.
This successful mobilisation provided Heysham A with critical specialist skills at a key stage of its programme, helping to reduce the risk of delays while establishing a potential model for meeting future specialist resource requirements.
Altrad coordinated every aspect of the mobilisation process, including background checks, visas, right-to-work requirements, training, accommodation and site access. A phased access plan also allowed the team to begin approved activities while the remaining clearance stages were completed. All six workers arrived at Heysham A and started within five weeks of the initial request. They have since received full clearance and are performing strongly, receiving positive feedback from the station.
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People & Safety
Jason Young Head of Altrad Services & Altrad Babcock AGR
Nuclear Generation Celebrates RoSPA Gold Award Securing the RoSPA Gold Award is a remarkable accomplishment, particularly in a milestone year that attracted more than 2,000 entries from organisations across 60 countries. As one of the most respected accolades in health and safety, the RoSPA Awards recognise those who set the benchmark for protecting people and creating safer workplaces, making this recognition a proud moment for everyone involved.
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Nuclear Generation has been recognised for Health & Safety Excellence at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) 70th Anniversary Awards. This prestigious achievement celebrates the outstanding commitment, professionalism and teamwork demonstrated across our sites, with colleagues consistently putting safety first while delivering exceptional performance.
Partnership in Action: Altrad and EDF Recognised for Wellbeing Film
RoSPA congratulates Altrad on its RoSPA Health and Safety Award. The high standards Altrad has achieved are the result of hard work and dedication, of which Altrad should be rightfully proud and which RoSPA is delighted to honour. It is because of the commitment of health and safety leaders like Altrad, that people today are safer at work than in the past, and sets an inspiring example for the future. Julia Small, Growth Director, RoSPA
Above and Beyond: Scaffolding Team Praised for Emergency Response
Altrad and EDF have been recognised with an EDF SCORES Award in the Safety–Wellbeing category for the joint production of End of Shift. Developed collaboratively by colleagues across Sizewell B, Dungeness B and the wider Altrad and EDF organisations, the film explores suicide prevention, mental health awareness and the importance of looking after ourselves and one another. The award highlights a shared commitment to addressing wellbeing challenges openly and responsibly, while demonstrating the positive impact of strong partnership working. By bringing together expertise, experience and a common purpose, the teams involved created a powerful resource that continues to support important conversations across the industry. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to our EDF colleagues for their continued collaboration. This recognition is a proud achievement and a great example of partnership in action.
Following a work at height incident, the Altrad Scaffolding Team demonstrated outstanding teamwork and care. After hearing an injured person calling for help, team members quickly alerted Occupational Health (OH), stayed with the casualty to provide reassurance and guided responders to the scene, helping ensure prompt medical assistance. Their prompt, calm and professional actions played a significant role in ensuring the injured person received timely medical treatment before being transferred by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The response received praise from OH, who stated: “We wanted to thank the team who responded to the casualty in the ESB. They were very supportive and offered to help. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the team for all their help and support today. It was invaluable.” Their actions serve as an excellent example of the positive safety culture, situational awareness, and teamwork expected across the site.
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People & Safety
Jason Young Head of Altrad Services & Altrad Babcock AGR
Championing Improvement at Torness
Refining work pack tracking to better reflect real progress and emerging scope
Improving clarity around work status and completion to support planning and prioritisation
Making changes that reduce manual effort while maintaining strong assurance
Alongside system and process improvements, James has maintained strong engagement with the EDF quality teams. This proactive involvement has helped ensure quality is engaged early, emerging issues are identified quickly, and improvements are aligned with how work is actually delivered. James Wood, a Quality Engineer has driven significant operational improvements by embedding a culture of continuous refinement in daily tasks. Leveraging his background as a core welder, James has implemented incremental changes to work pack tracking, documentation, and quality processes while mentoring apprentices and pursuing advanced weld inspection qualifications. From the outset, James focused on understanding how quality processes were working in practice and where they could be improved. Rather than accepting existing arrangements as “good enough”, he continually challenged whether systems, tools, and outputs were supporting delivery. Over time, this has led to incremental but impactful improvements, including:
James is also supporting the development of others, currently mentoring a second‑year quality apprentice. James’ approach over the past year demonstrates how continual improvement can be embedded into the role of a Quality Engineer through small, well‑judged changes applied consistently. The result is a quality function that continues to evolve, strengthen assurance, and better support safe and efficient delivery at Torness.
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James has brought a great deal to the team at Torness and has significantly improved our Quality department. His proactive approach to continuous improvement and commitment to raising standards have had a positive impact across the site as a whole. James consistently looks for ways to improve processes and support the team, making him a valued member of the Torness team. Iain Murray, Torness Site Manager
The People Powering Our Projects Our projects rely on the knowledge, commitment and teamwork of people across Altrad and EDF. Each newsletter, we will introduce you to some of the individuals behind the work, exploring their roles, experience and what makes them proud to support the fleet.
Meet Andy Harbron our Operations Lead at Hartlepool Power Station
How long have you worked in the nuclear industry? I’ve worked in the nuclear industry for 27 years now, since back when it was called British Energy. During this period I’ve mainly been based at Hartlepool but I have spent periods of time at other stations such as Sizewell B.
What project are you currently supporting? I’m currently supporting a variety of work scopes such as the Bulk Fuel Oil Tank replacement programme, as well as helping to coordinate to day to site operations and activities.
What are you most proud of? Supporting the large scale projects at Hartlepool and helping the station gain life extensions. I also take pride in seeing apprentices and new entrants coming through the ranks and watching as they develop their careers.
What advice would you give someone joining the industry? Never turn down a challenge or opportunity to better yourself.
Outage & Asset Management
Martin McLean Head of Altrad Services & Altrad Babcock Defuelling & SZB
Cross-Fleet Boiler Tube Plugging Programme Strengthens Fleet Capability Even a small main boiler tube leak can prevent a station from generating, requiring the affected tube to be plugged in line with the station safety case. This specialist work is carried out by Altrad’s Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) using remote welding equipment to install plugs at both ends of the affected tube, safely isolating the leak and enabling the station to return to service.
Established in 2024, the Cross-Fleet Boiler Tube Plugging Programme is enhancing tube-plugging capability across the EDF fleet through investment in equipment, upgrades and operator training. Over its four-year duration, more than £6 million is being invested in new and refurbished equipment and the development of additional skilled personnel across Altrad and EDF. Altrad plays a key role in maintaining and upgrading specialist equipment, training operators and deploying teams during outages and site campaigns. In 2025, teams successfully plugged four main boiler tube leaks at Hartlepool and Heysham A, and two reheater leaks at Heysham B. Further campaigns are planned at Heysham B and Torness in July 2026. For the first time, two campaigns will be supported in parallel, demonstrating the increased capability created through the programme’s investment in people and equipment.
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Thanks to all the team for delivering this campaign. The success was down to the whole team working diligently and flexibly to deliver another successful campaign. Charles Hayhurst – Reactor Systems Engineer, Torness Power Station
Delivering at Scale During Sizewell B RO20 Supporting one of the UK’s most important power stations through a major refuelling outage requires expertise, flexibility and a relentless focus on safety. During Sizewell B’s RO20 refuelling outage, Altrad successfully mobilised a large multi-skilled workforce to support critical maintenance and inspection activities while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and delivery. At peak, approximately 457 Altrad personnel supported the outage. The Access team grew from 50 to 174 personnel across three trades, including 10 DNB insulators, helping to strengthen the station’s insulation capability. The Mechanical team expanded from three personnel to around 185 specialists, supported by Altrad Sparrows and skilled colleagues from South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, Asset Management mobilised a 98-person team to deliver automated and manual In-Service Inspection activities.
Safety remained at the heart of delivery. The outage was completed with no first-aid cases, lost-time injuries or subcontractor incidents recorded. One medical treatment case and six non-injury events were investigated, with lessons learned used to strengthen controls and support continuous improvement. Strong safety behaviours, excellent housekeeping standards and visible leadership were evident throughout. The successful delivery of RO20 demonstrated Altrad’s ability to mobilise at scale, integrate specialist expertise and respond to complex outage demands safely and effectively, reinforcing a strong platform for continued collaboration with EDF and Framatome.
Major work packages included high-volume rigging and polar crane operations, replacement of the Essential Service Water Train B discharge header pipework from carbon steel to HDPE, new valve installations, condenser valve replacement and rebuild, and completion of the 16-inch CPP bypass line weld. The team also achieved an impressive 98.86% weld success rate, reflecting the quality of delivery throughout the outage. Altrad’s Access and Insulation teams provided critical support across key outage activities, enabling efficient delivery and helping maintain programme performance. Asset Management added further value through off-site remote operational support, reducing the number of personnel required on site and generating cost efficiencies for EDF.
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Projects
David Holdsworth Head of Projects – EDF Nuclear Operations
Hartlepool BFOT Replacement Demonstrates Successful Turnkey Delivery EDF and Altrad are nearing completion of the latest Bulk Fuel Oil Tank replacement at Hartlepool Power Station, delivering a complex, multidisciplinary project safely and efficiently. The existing tank had been affected by corrosion and severe pitting. While repairs were initially considered, detailed inspection and engineering assessment confirmed that full replacement was the most effective long-term solution. Drawing on experience from previous tank replacement programmes at Hartlepool and across the wider EDF fleet, Altrad was selected to deliver the turnkey scope. The project began with the construction of a climatecontrolled, shrink-wrapped scaffold enclosure to provide a protected working environment. The tank was then cleaned and prepared for deconstruction before Altrad Motherwell Bridge dismantled the structure, removed the existing foundation materials and installed a new base. In parallel, Altrad Motherwell Bridge’s engineering team completed the design and substantiation of the replacement carbon-steel tank to BS EN 14015:2004 standards. Altrad also managed the design and installation of the new fire-system pipework.
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The replacement tank, approximately 11 metres high and 12.3 metres in diameter, has now been rebuilt. Final blasting, painting and installation of the deluge fire-protection system are nearing completion, marking a milestone in the project.
The completion of Bulk Fuel Oil Tank 1, marks over 30,000 hours completed on the project by Altrad Services without a single H&S incident. This excellent safety performance coupled with the quality of their work has ensured that both new tanks will be able to fulfil their nuclear safety function during the final years of generation on Hartlepool, and throughout defueling. The project serves as a shining light for how successful a ‘turnkey’ solution can be when it is well planned, managed, and delivered. Chris Chisholm MAPM ChPP, Construction Manager, Project Delivery, Hartlepool Power Station
Extending the Life of the Torness Cooling Water Forebay Building station operations before the removal of temporary debris netting, integrated louvres and the corroded façade. The team installed 60 metres of structural steelwork using Lindapter clamps, reducing the need for drilling and minimising the risk of further damage to the existing steel structure. Additional secondary steelwork was installed to support the new cladding system, while localised defects were repaired and protected with a zinc-rich coating.
Years of exposure to a harsh marine environment, combined with limited maintenance access, had resulted in significant corrosion to the Cooling Water Forebay building at Torness. Following an engineering assessment, it was confirmed that the existing primary steelwork retained sufficient structural capacity to support a new cladding system. The replacement system was required after the original patent glazing had been removed due to safety concerns caused by corrosion and storm damage, which had led to panel failures. Working in partnership with Torness Project Delivery, Altrad developed and delivered a programme to restore the building envelope and extend the asset’s operational life through to fuel-free status and beyond. An access-controlled CDM zone was established to safely separate the project from ongoing
To maintain the building’s original appearance, Altrad worked with its supply chain to source 450m² of custompressed aluminium cladding after the original profile had been discontinued. The new system incorporated features to accommodate thermal movement, improve weather resistance and provide long-term protection against corrosion. Delivered safely in a challenging coastal environment, the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between Torness Project Delivery and Altrad in protecting critical infrastructure and extending the lifespan of station assets.
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I was delighted to see how sharp the cladding looks and how spotless the compound is. I especially appreciated that the usual build up of redundant or discarded fixings beneath the cladding was nowhere to be seen. Thanks for the great effort. Graham Stewart, Project Manager, Project Delivery, Torness Power Station
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Projects
David Holdsworth Head of Projects – EDF Nuclear Operations
Heysham B Charge Hall Roof Replacement Reaches Key Milestone strengthened communication, improved planning and supported safe delivery within a live operational environment. The scope includes removing the existing roof system down to the structural metal deck, followed by detailed inspection and engineered remediation of any corrosion. The replacement build-up comprises construction-grade OSB decking, a vapour-control layer, 40mm insulation and a three-layer felt roofing system. With approximately 50% of the programme complete, the work is progressing well and reinforces Altrad’s capability in complex refurbishment and asset-life-extension projects.
The Heysham B Charge Hall roof, installed in the early 1980s, had significantly exceeded its 25-year design life and was showing clear signs of deterioration. Multiple leaks were being managed reactively from within the building, but this was no longer considered a sustainable long-term approach, leading to the decision to undertake a full roof replacement to ensure long term integrity and reliability.
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This project continues to demonstrate the value of a fully integrated team approach. Strong collaboration between EDF, Altrad, Central Roofing and supporting stakeholders has enabled safe, efficient delivery within a live operational environment. With approximately 50% of the programme complete, the project is achieving key milestones through effective planning, strong safety leadership and a shared commitment to quality and delivery.
Altrad was selected to deliver a full roof replacement based on its proven site capability, long established relationships with nuclear roofing specialists, and successful delivery of previous projects, including two diesel-roof replacements and the TGN 227 cladding works.
The relationships, knowledge sharing and trust developed through this project will provide a strong foundation for future station activities, enabling teams to work more efficiently together, transfer lessons learned and continue delivering safe, high-quality outcomes for the business.
The project team is working closely with EDF, Central Roofing and key stakeholders through daily coordination meetings and structured shift briefings. This integrated approach
Chris Wilde, Construction Manager, Project Delivery, Heysham B Power Station
Innovating for Safety: Robotic Cleaning of ECW Head Tank 22 When elevated levels of cyanide were identified in material sampled from ECW Head Tank 22, the priority was to find a safe and effective cleaning solution while minimising the need for personnel to enter a hazardous environment. The tank, located on the roof of the ECW Building, presented significant challenges due to both contamination and confined-space risks. To address this, the Station DART team worked with Altrad Services and Altrad Environmental to develop a remotely operated robotic cleaning solution. Lowered into the tank through the main access hatch, the robot was controlled from a containerised control unit using live camera feeds. High-pressure water jets cleaned the tank while waste was removed directly to vacuum trucks, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the confined space and significantly reducing risk. The project was completed in just nine days from mobilisation to demobilisation, with cleaning taking five days. Following completion, EDF carried out a visual inspection and final analysis of the tank washings. Delivered through close collaboration between DART, Altrad Services and Altrad Environmental, the project demonstrates how innovative technology and access to wider Altrad Group capabilities can remove risk and deliver safer outcomes.
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I’d just like to say a massive thank you from myself and the station for the support in which Altrad provided with the waste removal from the ECWR Head Tank 22. It was clear it was going to require a high level of planning and technical challenges along the way, but the communication and the attention to detail throughout the scoping and planning stage was excellent. It was a pleasure to work alongside Altrad, and it’s a great example of new innovations being used to eliminate risks and making our work safer for the technicians on the job. Ryan Farrow, Team Leader
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Projects
David Holdsworth Head of Projects – EDF Nuclear Operations
Altrad Team Delivers Successful GTX2 Yellow Phase Project at Heysham 1
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The whole team’s workmanship and attitude were excellent throughout the project. I am proud of what we have achieved together and could not have asked for any more from the team. Sean Morris, Site General Manager for Altrad at Heysham A
The GTX2 Yellow Phase project at Heysham 1 has been successfully completed, demonstrating the value of Altrad Services and Altrad Babcock working as one integrated site project team. The 45-day project involved the full phase replacement and played an important role in supporting the return of Reactor 2 to service. Integrated mechanical, access and coatings teams worked closely with EDF throughout a demanding delivery period, helping to maintain progress, quality and confidence. When the station experienced challenges with an off-site specialist contractor due to deliver hydrophobic coatings to the HV bushings and surge arrestor, Altrad’s established site coatings team stepped in. Although the scope was new to the team, it was completed safely, within the planned timescale and to a high standard. The project highlighted the value created through joinedup delivery, strong local capability and close collaboration between EDF and Altrad.
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The corrosion team has been successfully off-setting corrosion risk for the last 9 years with a fleet-leading record in applying protective coatings cost-effectively. This outage the team moved into hydrophobic coating application for the first time, following an identified need to close a quality gap in their application. This process was undertaken with the usual diligent approach and both Altrad Paint Inspectors worked with suppliers to develop a suitable process for this first-time application. The result was quality hydrophobic coating applied to numerous insulators, all achieved safely within the programme constraints. Another example of the flexibility and professional approach that comes as standard with the Heysham 1 corrosion team. Fiona Murray, Corrosion Management Engineer, Heysham A Power Station
Leadership Spotlight: Jason Young Shares His Journey at the Altrad Global Seminar Jason recently attended the Altrad 2026 Global Seminar in Montpellier, where he joined colleagues from across the Group to explore this year’s theme, “Eternity”. The event focused on long-term impact, sustainable success and the legacy we leave for future generations. During the seminar, Jason had the opportunity to meet Mohed Altrad, Founder and President of the Altrad Group, and was invited on stage to share his personal career journey with delegates from around the world.
Jason’s story is one of dedication, growth and opportunity. He began his career as a scaffold apprentice at the age of 16 and arrived at Hartlepool Power Station in 1996 for what was expected to be a six-week outage. Nearly three decades later, he remains a key figure within the nuclear industry and now leads Altrad Services and Altrad Babcock activities across the AGR fleet. Reflecting on his career, Jason spoke about the opportunities that have shaped his progression and highlighted the importance of creating similar pathways for others. His story serves as a powerful example of how commitment, development and support can open doors and build lasting careers. One message from colleagues has particularly resonated with Jason: “If you can do it, I can do it.” Simple but powerful, it reflects the seminar’s focus on people, progress and inspiring future generations through the opportunities we create today.