Nuclear Progress: Hinkley Point C Marks Reactor Installation Milestone

The Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, England, has reached a significant milestone with the installation of its first reactor pressure vessel (RPV). This marks the first reactor installation in the UK in over three decades and represents a critical step toward ensuring energy security and meeting the UK's clean energy goals.

The RPV, standing 13 meters tall and weighing 500 tonnes, is a key component of the EPR pressurized water reactor. Manufactured in France and delivered last year, the vessel underwent rigorous inspections by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) to verify its structural integrity and ensure readiness for installation. In a highly precise operation, the RPV was lifted through a 19.5-meter-high hatch, rotated using a polar crane, and lowered onto its support ring with only 40 mm clearance on each side. It will soon be complemented by four 25-meter-tall steam generators, scheduled for installation next year.

This milestone follows the recent placement of the reactor building's steel dome and signifies substantial progress in Hinkley Point C's construction. Once operational, the two reactors will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power six million homes for up to 80 years. As part of the UK's strategy to enhance energy security and combat climate change, Hinkley Point C also paves the way for future projects like Sizewell C, boosting local employment and skills development in the process.

While the original timeline for unit 1's operation has been adjusted from 2025 to 2030, this installation reflects the project’s ongoing commitment to achieving its ambitious objectives. The lessons learned from this milestone will drive efficiencies for subsequent builds and contribute to advancing the UK's low-carbon energy landscape.

Check out the following video for more information on the power vessel installation.