Heysham 2 nuclear reactor returns to service after planned shutdown and £30m maintenance investment

In all around £30m was invested in maintenance activities and plant improvements, many linked to ensuring the station has even greater reliability and resilience.

A spokesman for EDF Energy said that Heysham 2 can now continue delivering safe and secure low-carbon electricity for around two million homes at a time when the country needs it most.

Mark Lees, Heysham 2’s station director, said: “I would like to thank all the staff, and contract partners, in returning the reactor to full power during these difficult and challenging times.

“A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring we can continue to provide low-carbon electricity to homes and industries.”

To manage the COVID-19 crisis over the past few weeks the site has looked after its vulnerable staff, with the remainder safely and professionally managing the operation of the station.

Mark said: “It is an unprecedented situation for all of us, but we are working through our well-rehearsed plans to ensure we look after our staff and contract partners, and then making sure we can continue to keep the site running and producing low-carbon electricity.”

EDF is working with National Grid to make sure the country has enough electricity, with its key regulators the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency, as the site adopts flexible working patterns to reduce the overall footfall on site at any given time.

Heysham 2, alongside all EDF sites, has introduced thermographic temperature monitoring at the site entrance as well as improved hand washing facilities to make sure it is looking after everyone on site.

Mark said: “We know that we also have a wider role to play as our staff are crucial to local shops and businesses, something that is vital at this time. With a wage bill at Heysham 2 alone of £40m it is a huge part of the local economy.”