Hinkley Point C Achieves Milestone with First Nuclear Reactor Installation

Key Step for UK’s Energy Security and Net-Zero Goals
Hinkley Point C, the UK’s largest and most advanced nuclear power station, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of the first nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) in over 30 years. This marks the first of two reactors that will eventually provide up to 7% of the UK’s electricity, powering around 6 million homes with reliable, low-carbon energy. The installation of the 500-ton steel container follows a detailed engineering process, marking an important step forward for the nation’s energy security and its journey toward achieving net-zero emissions.

Precision Installation of Reactor Pressure Vessel
The reactor pressure vessel, which arrived at Hinkley Point C in February 2023 from Framatome in France, plays a critical role in the nuclear process by holding the fuel that generates heat to produce steam for the facility’s turbines. The installation was completed on December 3, 2024, following a complex process that involved lifting the vessel onto rails, inserting it through a 19.5-meter-high hatch, and lowering it with precision into place with just 40mm of clearance on either side. The operation was carried out using a large internal polar crane, ensuring the proper placement and alignment. In the coming year, the next phase will see the installation of four large steam generators, each 25 meters tall, further enhancing the plant’s capacity.

High Standards and Regulatory Oversight
The reactor pressure vessel is manufactured to the highest technical standards, and throughout its production and installation, it has undergone extensive regulatory oversight from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) to ensure it meets strict safety and quality requirements. This process ensures that Hinkley Point C meets the necessary operational, safety, and environmental criteria set for modern nuclear power plants.

Hinkley Point C: A Catalyst for Energy Independence and Climate Action
The successful reactor installation is a major achievement for both the Hinkley Point C team and the UK’s broader energy strategy. The power station is poised to provide significant contributions to the country’s long-term energy security and its fight against climate change by producing substantial amounts of clean, low-carbon electricity. The project also supports the UK’s net-zero targets by replacing more carbon-intensive energy sources with nuclear power. Stuart Crooks, Managing Director of Hinkley Point C, noted that the knowledge gained during the installation of the first reactor will drive efficiencies for the second reactor and benefit future nuclear projects, including Sizewell C. The facility will also support thousands of jobs and develop skills crucial for the UK’s energy future.