Company News | 28 OCT 2026
Aureos has been appointed by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) to deliver the next major phase of decommissioning at Dungeness A in Kent, taking on a complex engineering programme worth up to £190m.
Aureos will act as principal contractor for the removal of eight huge boiler units, each weighing around 800 tonnes, together with associated plant, equipment and structures.
The award follows a competitive procurement process in which technical capability, project certainty, innovation, social value and cost were assessed, with innovation playing a significant part in Aureos’ approach.
It represents an important milestone in the decommissioning of Dungeness A and follows four years of enabling work to prepare the site for this next major phase.
Rob Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of NRS, said:
“This is a landmark project for NRS and a major engineering challenge. By working closely with Aureos, our supply chain and regulators, we will explore new approaches in line with the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review to safely decommission our sites, deliver better value for taxpayer and maintain our unwavering commitment to safety.”
Engineering a solution to a unique challenge
At the heart of the project is an innovative approach to removing some of the largest structures remaining at Dungeness A.
Before the boilers can be extracted, plant and structures surrounding them will be progressively removed. This includes the drum house, drum house annex and boiler annexe, together with plant in the blower hall and sections of the boiler cells themselves. Concrete sections of the cells will be saw-cut and lifted away to create the space needed for each boiler to be removed.
A specialist jack and slide system will then be used to move the eight boilers from the boiler cells before they are transported to a designated storage area. The system has been developed to enable structures of exceptional size and weight to be moved in a controlled and precise way.
Vicki Baxter, Senior Project Manager, said:
“Reaching this point is a real achievement for everyone involved. It reflects exceptional teamwork, careful planning and close collaboration in completing the demolition and site preparation work safely.”
Bringing together specialist expertise
As principal contractor, Aureos will lead an integrated, multidisciplinary delivery team operating within the highly regulated nuclear environment.
Aureos will work alongside specialist partners including Keltbray for demolition and asbestos removal, EDF Cyclife for radioactive de-planting and compliant component preparation, Mammoet and Nxgen for heavy lifting, and PHD Access for scaffolding.
The work will include activity within a Radiological Controlled Area, with rigorous measures in place to manage residual radiological and asbestos hazards alongside the lifting, demolition and construction risks associated with a project of this scale.
Dave Evans, Dungeness A Site Director, said:
“This contract marks the beginning of one of the most significant stages in Dungeness A’s decommissioning journey.
“It is the result of years of planning and preparation and moves us significantly closer to achieving our decommissioning mission for the site.”
Darren James, Chief Executive Officer of Aureos, said:
“On behalf of Aureos, I am delighted that we have received this award following a procurement process that placed significant emphasis on innovation.
“We look forward to working with NRS to deliver the project and recognise its importance to the Dungeness A site and surrounding area.”
Creating a lasting legacy
The significance of the programme extends beyond the engineering challenge.
Aureos will work closely with local schools, universities, community groups and businesses throughout delivery, creating opportunities for engagement, volunteering and involvement in the project’s supply chain.
The project also provides an opportunity for Aureos people to transfer engineering and construction expertise into the nuclear sector and develop experience within a complex, highly regulated environment.
Once the project is complete, around a third of Dungeness A’s above-ground structures will have been removed, substantially reducing the site’s physical footprint and its future maintenance requirements.
For Aureos, the award is a significant vote of confidence in its people, engineering capability and ability to bring together specialist partners to solve some of the UK’s most demanding infrastructure challenges. As the team moves into delivery, the focus will be on translating that capability and innovative thinking into a safe, carefully planned and successful programme.