In pictures: Hinkley Point C's second unit taking shape
The third and top steel ring for Hinkley Point C unit 2's containment building has been lifted into place.
The 423-tonne, 11.6-metre high and 47-metre diameter steel was lifted into place on Monday by the site's giant crane, called Big Carl.
(Image: EDF)
The steel ring is the final tier of the wall of the containment building, with its dome scheduled to be placed on top during 2025. The dome on the first unit was lifted into place in December and the first unit's reactor is set to be installed in the next few weeks.
(Image: EDF)
The steel structure will be encased in two layers of concrete to complete the containment wall of the reactor building.
(Image: EDF)
The lifting and installation was a high-precision job.
(Image: EDF)
EDF says that learning from experience with the first unit means typical efficiencies of between 20% and 30% are being made with the second unit.
(Image: EDF)
When complete, the two EPR pressurised water reactors of 1630 MWe each at Hinkley Point C will produce enough carbon-free electricity for six million homes, and is expected to operate for as long as 80 years.
Watch EDF's video of the steel ring being lifted into position
