On October 14, 2024, the final steel liner ring for Hinkley Point C’s second reactor building was successfully lifted into place by Big Carl, the world’s largest crane. Weighing 423 tonnes, the ring stands 11.6 meters tall and spans 47 meters in diameter, forming part of the reactor’s inner containment wall.

Prefabricated on-site, the ring includes brackets for the Polar Crane Beam, a key component used for reactor refueling. With this milestone complete, only the dome remains to be installed, scheduled for next year.

Using efficiencies gained from constructing the first reactor unit, teams have achieved up to 30% improvements on the second unit. Once operational, Hinkley Point C will provide clean energy for 6 million homes, supporting the UK’s energy independence and resilience.