The world’s largest crane lifted Hinkley Point C’s second nuclear reactor into place before its precision installation inside the reactor building.
The crane, known as Big Carl, made lifting the 500-tonne cylinder a simpler process than the installation of the first reactor, which required a bespoke, temporary lifting system.
The power station received its first nuclear reactor in 2023, which has subsequently been installed and welded in place on Unit 1 of the power station.
Once inside the Unit 2 reactor building, the 13-metre-long reactor pressure vessel was lifted and rotated into a vertical position by the large internal ‘polar’ crane and lowered carefully on to a support ring with just 40mm clearance on either side.
Work on Unit 1 has moved on to the fitting-out of pipes, cables and equipment, while Unit 2 is focused on the completion of its buildings following the lifting of the dome last year. According to EDF, the experience gained by the team from constructing Unit 1 should allow...