How crucial are ENGIE's nuclear activities? 

Luigi Chiodo: In the current situation, where we all have to stay at home, and where the healthcare sector and certain food companies are operating flat out, we have to produce the electricity needed in complete safety. It’s vital, and it’s essential.

How have you found working in Covid-19 mode? What has changed for you in the control room?

Luigi Chiodo: It has certainly affected our working conditions! Our team was at work when the first federal measures for the whole of Belgium were announced. Initially, social distancing was the most difficult aspect. We could no longer physically greet the people we work with every day, which was difficult. It was also difficult to maintain the required distancing of 1.5 metres all the time in the control room; in the current context, working with several people in a limited space doesn’t make our tasks any easier. However, we've made it a point of honour to follow the instructions to the letter.

Are other departments in the nuclear power station also affected by this?

Luigi Chiodo: Yes, everyone who works in the installations is equally affected by the Covid-19 measures. Working with a face mask when you have to move material around with other colleagues, sometimes in tight spaces... that's not always easy. Despite these obstacles, every member of my team remains motivated, and we're maintaining a professional level of rigour and quality.

ENGIE remains at the disposal of key sectors. In Belgium, more than 50% of the electricity supply is generated by the Doel and Tihange nuclear power stations, with zero CO2 emissions. This sector is considered crucial, even more so in these times of the Covid-19 crisis.