Hinkley Point C has installed the UK’s first new nuclear reactor for more than 30 years. The first of two 13m long reactor pressure vessels have been fitted, when its twin is in place the two units could provide 7 per cent of the country’s electricity.

The milestone comes less than 12 months after the steel dome was lifted in place to close the reactor building. The reactor is the first to be installed at a British power station since Sizewell B’s in 1991.

The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is a 500 tonne steel container that holds nuclear fuel used to make heat to produce steam for the world's largest turbine, from Arabelle Solutions. The RPV, manufactured by Framatome in France, arrived at Hinkley Point C in February last year and has been in store until the installation, which was completed on 3 December.

Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C Managing Director, said: “This is an important moment, not just for the team at Hinkley Point C, but also for everyone who wants to see the UK deliver energy security, fight climate change and provide power for our AI and digital future. We are working hard to play our part and using the experience gained delivering the first reactor to drive efficiencies in building our second one. That experience will also benefit follow-on projects, such as Sizewell C, as well as boosting jobs and skills for the UK's growth agenda.”

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