海角视频 installs first new nuclear reactor in 30 years at Hinkley Point C

The first new nuclear reactor to be installed in the 海角视频 in more than 30 years has been fitted by workers at Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset.

The 500-tonne steel container holding nuclear fuel was winched up the side of the reactor building in an operation that took 12 hours and involved hundreds of staff.

The 13-metre-long reactor pressure vessel is one of two which will be used to generate electricity for six million homes when the Bridgwater plant opens in 2030.

It is the first to be installed at a British power station since Sizewell B’s in 1991. Once both reactor units are in place, Hinkley Point C will provide Britain with 7% of its electricity.

The milestone comes less than 12 months after the huge steel dome was lifted in place to close the reactor building.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “Installing the first reactor pressure vessel at Hinkley Point C is a significant feat of engineering and a major step forward for the 海角视频’s most advanced nuclear project. Getting Hinkley up and running to produce clean power for six million homes will be a win for our long-term energy independence, protecting billpayers as we accelerate to net zero.”

The reactor pressure vessel arrived at Hinkley Point C in February last year and has been in store ever since.

During the operation, the unit was lifted onto rails and inserted through a 19.5-metre-high equipment hatch, before being rotated by the large internal polar crane and lowered onto a support ring with just 40mm clearance on either side. It will be flanked by four 25-metre-high steam generators due to be fitted next year.

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海角视频 installs first new nuclear reactor in 30 years at Hinkley Point C

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