Photos: Second nuclear reactor vessel arrives at Britain’s Hinkley point C

The Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, England, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of the second reactor pressure vessel for Unit 2. This massive component, weighing approximately 1.1 million pounds and measuring 42 feet in length, was manufactured by Framatome in France and transported via sea, river, and road to the construction site. The reactor pressure vessel is a critical part of the plant, housing the nuclear core where fission generates heat and steam for electricity. Its delivery marks a key step in the UK’s largest nuclear construction project, which aims to begin operations in the early 2030s and contribute substantially to Britain’s low-carbon energy goals. Construction progress shows Unit 1 moving beyond major structural work into pipe and equipment installation, while Unit 2 is completing its main buildings, benefiting from lessons learned to accelerate work by 20-30%. However, the project has experienced timeline delays and cost increases, with the expected operational start for Unit 1