Second nuclear reactor arrives at Hinkley Point C

The second nuclear reactor has arrived at Britain’s newest nuclear power station, which is due to open in 2031.

EDF said the twin nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset now has its second high-strength steel cylinder, which weighs 500 tonnes and is 13m (42ft) long.

The reactor was shipped from France to Avonmouth Docks in Bristol and was then transported by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett before a six-hour road trip by transporter for the final four miles (6km) to the site.

The first nuclear reactor arrived in 2023, with the cylinders designed to use a pressure vessel to harness nuclear fission to make heat and steam to power the world’s largest turbines.

When the site is operational, each of the reactors – known as Unit 1 and Unit 2 – will power about three million homes around the clock.

EDF said the delivery of the second reactor pressure vessel was a major moment in Hinkley Point C’s construction.

Claire Warner-Blackman, freight and marine area manager, said: “Months of planning and exceptional teamwork has resulted in the successful delivery of this critical component to Hinkley Point C.

“The Reactor Pressure Vessel sits at the heart of the nuclear power station and so it is vital to ensure that delivery goes without a hitch.

“I’m very proud to have been part of this complex operation and my thanks go to all of the brilliant teams involved.”