Hinkley Point C takes another step forward as its second nuclear reactor arrives in Somerset

The twin nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C has taken delivery of its second nuclear reactor. The first arrived in 2023 and is already installed and welded in place on Unit 1 of the power station. 

The delivery of the second “reactor pressure vessel” is a major moment for the identical Unit 2. The pressure vessel harnesses nuclear fission to make heat and steam for the world’s largest turbines. Each one will power around 3m homes around the clock.   The high strength steel cylinder weighs in at 500-tonnes and is just 13-metres long.

Work on Unit 1 has moved onto the fitting out of pipes, cables and equipment, while Unit 2 is focussed on the completion of its buildings following the successful dome lift in July last year. Thanks to innovation and the experience gained from constructing Unit 1, teams are building Unit 2 20-30% faster, with prefabrication now approaching 60%.

The reactor was shipped from the Framatome Saint Marcel factory in France to Avonmouth Docks in Bristol, before being transported by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset. The final journey was a six hour road trip for four miles by a transporter to the construction site.