This weekend marked a milestone as the first of Hinkley Point C’s eight significant 520-tonne steam generators was transported to Somerset, signalling progress in this major energy project.
- The generator’s delivery aligns with preparations for installing the first nuclear reactor later this year.
- Measuring 25 metres, these generators will harness nuclear heat to generate steam for turbine operation.
- After a lengthy sea and road journey, the generator reached its destination just four miles from its final location.
- EDF Energy confirms these generators will function at 295°C for a minimum of 60 years.
This weekend, the energy sector witnessed a notable advance in the construction of Hinkley Point C as the first of its eight mammoth steam generators reached Somerset. Weighing 520-tonnes, this generator is a critical component in advancing the new power station’s fit-out schedule, setting the stage for the installation of the first nuclear reactor expected later this year.
Designed for durability and efficiency, each of these 25-metre long steam generators plays a vital role in converting the nuclear reactor’s heat into steam, which then powers the turbines, thus facilitating energy production. Their arrival marks an essential step in the broader infrastructural framework required for the operationalisation of the nuclear facility.
The journey of this colossal generator was meticulously coordinated, beginning from its departure at Avonmouth, progressing by sea before making the final four miles overland to Hinkley Point C, specifically via the roads from Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett. Such a logistical achievement underscores the intricate planning and execution needed in deploying equipment of this magnitude.
EDF Energy has articulated that these steam generators are engineered to operate at an average temperature of 295°C and are expected to have a functional lifespan extending at least 60 years. This assurance of long-term operation reinforces the project’s commitment to stability and efficiency in energy production.
The arrival of the first steam generator at Hinkley Point C represents a significant advance in the project’s trajectory, heralding the advent of a new chapter in nuclear energy production.
