First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset

The reactor makes its way to Hinkley Point C after a 2,000-mile journey. EDF

Hinkley Point C nuclear power project has reached a new milestone with the first reactor arriving in Somerset. According to the project developer, EDF, at just 13-metres long, the reactor pressure vessel is weighing 500 tonnes and will create heat needed to make steam for the world’s largest turbine. 

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 and will be vital in helping Britain achieve Net Zero and stronger energy security, the company’s statement reads.

The path of the Hinkley Point C reactor

The reactor has been manufactured in France by Framatome, in the same factory which made the last nuclear reactor for a British power station at Sizewell B in Suffolk. That reactor came into operation in 1995.

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset
The reactor arrives by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset.

The path of the reactor took it from France to Avonmouth Docks in Bristol before being transported by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset, with the delivery handled by Osprey Group.

The final journey was a 5 hour trip for 4 miles by a transporter to its permanent home on the construction site. It will be installed in the reactor building after the dome is lifted into place.

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset
At just 13-metres long, the reactor will help provide enough low carbon electricity for 3m homes.

The project

Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years. Located in Somerset, the facility will provide low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes.

EDF noted that the electricity generated by its two EPR reactors will offset 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, or 600 million tonnes over its 60-year lifespan.

Author: Adnan Bajic

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First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset | Project Cargo Journal
First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset

The reactor makes its way to Hinkley Point C after a 2,000-mile journey.  EDF

Hinkley Point C nuclear power project has reached a new milestone with the first reactor arriving in Somerset. According to the project developer, EDF, at just 13-metres long, the reactor pressure vessel is weighing 500 tonnes and will create heat needed to make steam for the world’s largest turbine. 

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 and will be vital in helping Britain achieve Net Zero and stronger energy security, the company’s statement reads.

The path of the Hinkley Point C reactor

The reactor has been manufactured in France by Framatome, in the same factory which made the last nuclear reactor for a British power station at Sizewell B in Suffolk. That reactor came into operation in 1995.

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset
The reactor arrives by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset.

The path of the reactor took it from France to Avonmouth Docks in Bristol before being transported by barge to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset, with the delivery handled by Osprey Group.

The final journey was a 5 hour trip for 4 miles by a transporter to its permanent home on the construction site. It will be installed in the reactor building after the dome is lifted into place.

First Hinkley Point C reactor gets to Somerset
At just 13-metres long, the reactor will help provide enough low carbon electricity for 3m homes.

The project

Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years. Located in Somerset, the facility will provide low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes.

EDF noted that the electricity generated by its two EPR reactors will offset 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, or 600 million tonnes over its 60-year lifespan.

Author: Adnan Bajic

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.