Nuclear Reactor Installed at Hinkley Point C, Britain’s Newest Power Plant

The inaugural nuclear reactor has been successfully installed at Hinkley Point C, situated near Bridgwater, Somerset, marking the first new nuclear power station constructed in Britain in three decades. This operation involved hundreds of engineers and construction personnel, who dedicated several days to position the 500-tonne steel component. Matt Abbott, who headed the installation team, commented on the process, stating, “It was a huge operation for all the teams involved.” He further described the component as “This is the heart of the plant.” This 13-meter-long (42.6 ft) unit is one of two reactors designed to house the nuclear chain reaction, which is projected to produce sufficient electricity for six million households upon the plant’s scheduled opening in 2030. The massive steel cylinder was hoisted up the exterior of the reactor building during a 12-hour procedure. Subsequently, it required careful maneuvering along rails, passing through a large equipment hatch, undergoing a 90-degree rotation, and being precisely lowered onto its designated foundation. Its position is permanent for 60 years of nuclear operation, with an expected lifespan extending for decades thereafter. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband characterized the event as “a major step forward.” He further stated: “Getting Hinkley up and running to produce clean power for six million homes will be a win for our long-term energy independence.” The site employs a workforce of at least 12,000 individuals, supported by over 100 cranes. This reactor is designed to energize 25-meter-high steam generators and propel turbines equipped with the longest blades ever manufactured. Despite these advancements, the project has encountered delays stemming from political discussions, the Covid pandemic, and issues within the supply chain. Consequently, its opening is now anticipated five years later than initially projected, with the estimated cost escalating to £46bn from the £18bn forecast in 2017. Nevertheless, the installation of this reactor represents a considerable achievement. This prompts questions regarding its operational mechanism, its manufacturer, and its activation timeline. Referred to as “the heart of Hinkley,” the reactor will house radioactive uranium undergoing nuclear fission, a chain reaction process that produces substantial heat. Internal temperatures are expected to average 300C, with pressure levels reaching 155 bar, which is five times greater than that experienced by a submarine at its typical operating depth. The steel vessel measures 25cm in thickness, 13m (42.6 ft) in length, and has a weight of 500 tonnes. A sealed circuit of pressurized water will circulate around the reactor, absorbing heat. This acquired heat will subsequently transfer to a secondary water circuit, converting it into steam. This steam will then power turbines responsible for generating Hinkley’s electricity. Mr Abbott stated: ”We’ve got two of these reactors, and each should power about three million homes. So it’s a massive deal and this is now the start of that journey for us.” The reactor’s manufacturing process spanned six years and was carried out in France by Framatome, a company under the ownership of EDF, the developer of Hinkley Point C. EDF itself is owned by the French state. Mathieu Gaulthier, who heads Framatome’s team in Somerset, indicated that the creation of the reactor instilled “immense pride” among Framatome employees. However, the question arises as to why such a critical component for Britain’s first new nuclear power plant in a generation was produced internationally. Ian Henderson, head of Framatome UK, explained: “The last nuclear reactor that was built was finished in 1991.” He added: “In that time that skill base has disappeared.” The company is currently endeavoring to address this situation. At a newly established factory in Avonmouth, close to Bristol, they are providing training for highly skilled welders and fitters to meet the stringent requirements of the nuclear sector. While their current work for Hinkley C involves fabricating tanks and other structural elements, the aspiration is to undertake more complex tasks in upcoming nuclear initiatives. Mr Henderson elaborated: “It’s taken quite a few years to build those skills up to where they are today, and we want to keep that going, keep investing.” In 2007, Vincent de Rivaz, then the French leader of EDF, forecasted that British households would be utilizing Hinkley’s power for their Christmas turkeys a decade later. However, 2017 marked the departure of M. de Rivaz from EDF, and construction work in Somerset had only recently commenced. When the initial concrete was poured, the company announced an operational target of 2025. This timeline was subsequently impacted by a global pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and widespread disruptions to international supply chains. Currently, the company anticipates commencing power generation by “the end of the decade.” The successful positioning of the nuclear reactor signifies a major milestone achieved. For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.