On Monday 14 October, an engineering team at Hinkley Point C successfully placed the third and final ring of steel cladding on the reactor building. This feat was completed by the world’s largest crane, Big Carl, which lifted 423 tonnes of steel into position.
The last ring of the Hinkley Point C reactor
The cladding ring is 11.6 metres high and 47 metres in diameter and forms part of the containment wall of the nuclear reactor . Its installation marks the final stage of the construction of the building’s internal structure.
The next step is waiting for the “cap”, which is expected to be installed next year. This is the second reactor at the plant . The first reactor, on the other hand, has had its dome completed since last December, and is preparing to receive the reactor towards the end of the year.
This latest lift is not just symbolic. It reflects the progress being made at Hinkley Point C , one of the UK’s largest nuclear projects, set to provide clean energy to six million homes. In addition, teams have learned from the process of building the first unit of the reactor , achieving efficiencies of up to 30% on the second unit.
Lifting of the last cladding ring. Source: EDF
Big Carl, the powerful internal crane that will rotate 360° above the reactor, will also play a key role in the refuelling process once the reactor is operational. This development ensures that deadlines are met, and strengthens the UK’s commitment to cleaner energy sources.
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Source and photo: EDF Energy
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