The first new nuclear reactor for a British power station for more than 30 years has arrived at the Hinkley Point C nuclear site in Somerset, UK.
At 13-metres long and weighing 500-tonnes, the “reactor pressure vessel” will create the heat needed to make steam that will power the world’s largest turbines.
It is the first of two nuclear reactors which will be installed at Hinkley Point C. Each reactor will help provide enough low carbon electricity for 3 million homes.
The reactor, made by Framatome in France, comes from the same factory which made the last nuclear reactor for a British power station at Sizewell B in Suffolk which became operational in 1995.
The reactor first arrived in Britain at Avonmouth Docks in Bristol before being transported by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset. It was then hauled on a transporter some 4 miles to its new home.
The arrival of the reactor marks a significant milestone for Hinkley Point C, where more than 8,000 workers are now on site every day. It will be installed in the reactor building after the dome is lifted into place.
Read more about Hinkley Point C:
- Hinkley Point C water intake lifted into Bristol Channel seabed [WATCH]
- Big Carl makes huge lift at Hinkley Point C
- Hinkley Point C work halts following supervisor death
- EDF creates geospatial portal for Hinkley Point C
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