[Video] Hinkley Point C: Spectacular Placement of Unit 2 Dome

On 17 July 2025, the 245-tonne dome of Hinkley Point C’s second reactor was successfully lifted into place, marking a major milestone in the construction of the UK nuclear power station. A striking video captures this key moment for a site progressing 20 to 30% faster than the first unit.

This crucial step saw the installation of the containment dome on Unit 2, weighing 245 tonnes and standing 14 metres tall, using “Big Carl”, the world’s largest land-based crane.

With this operation, the reactor’s containment building is now structurally complete, reaching a height of 44 metres, and the interior fit-out can now begin. EDF Energy, the UK subsidiary of the French group EDF, notes that this second unit is advancing 20 to 30% faster than the first, thanks to experience gained and the streamlining of industrial processes.

Hinkley Point C is the UK’s first large-scale nuclear project in more than 30 years. Once both units are operational, the plant will supply low-carbon electricity to over six million homes, becoming a cornerstone of the country’s energy security and low-carbon transition in the decades to come.

On LinkedIn, EDF’s new CEO Bernard Fontana wrote: “There is still a long way to go. All teams are fully mobilised to accelerate electromechanical assembly. The nuclear industry is committed to delivering EPR reactor construction with three priorities: safety and security, quality, and compliance with deadlines and costs.”■