An unprecedented construction project. That’s a perfect description of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, near Bristol. In a few figures, HPC is: 2 EPRs (European Pressurized Reactors), supplying electricity to 6 million homes, providing 7% of the UK’s electricity needs. Nearly 10,000 people work on this monumental 175-hectare site every day to provide low-carbon energy for future generations and help the UK achieve its “Net Zero” target by 2050.

Progress on this project 

The first reactor building has a new component 

Just a few days ago, the reactor pressure vessel support ring was installed in its building. The reactor, a high-strength steel cylinder measuring 13 metres and weighing 500 tonnes, is the main component of the building: it will house the nuclear fuel and the chain reaction needed to make heat. 

An additional level for the second reactor building 

After having completed concrete pouring operations on level 2 of the second reactor's nuclear island only a few months ago, the teams have just finished the third level. Big Carl, the world’s largest working land crane, will therefore be able to install the second liner ring in this building in a few weeks’ time.

Well done to all the teams involved!

A look back at some of the best photos of the project.