The Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant is one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in the UK, aimed at delivering clean and sustainable energy for future generations. A critical component of the project is the construction of the reactor containment liners for both reactors, designed to ensure the safe and secure containment of the reactor core.

In 2018, Mactech was appointed to support the lead mechanical contractor responsible for constructing the massive steel containment liners for both reactors. These containment liners are a vital part of the nuclear plant’s safety systems, and their installation requires precision, technical expertise, and rigorous safety standards.

The installation of the containment liners at Hinkley Point C posed several unique challenges:

Complex and Large-Scale Installation
Each containment liner consists of five major sections, including a liner “cup,” three large liner “rings,” and a dome. Each section is massive, with the liner rings alone standing 17 meters high and 47 meters in diameter, requiring extreme precision in placement and welding.

Heavy Lifting Operations
The sheer size and weight of the components, with the liner cup weighing 170 tonnes and the steel rings totaling 575 tonnes, demanded the use of Big Carl, the world’s largest crane, for each lift. The coordination of these lifts required extensive planning and expertise in heavy lifting operations.

Strict Safety and Compliance Standards
The project required meticulous attention to safety and compliance, as all construction activities had to meet stringent nuclear industry standards, with welding and assembly taking place in specially designed temporary bunkers to ensure optimal working conditions.

Mactech played a crucial role in the successful construction and installation of the reactor containment liners by deploying a highly skilled and specialised workforce:

Comprehensive Workforce Deployment
Mactech’s team included Construction Management, a full lifting team comprising the lead Appointed Person, rigging supervision, and riggers, as well as coded welders, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) personnel, and Quality Inspectors. This diverse team was essential for ensuring that each phase of the liner construction was carried out to the highest standards.

Precision in Lifting and Installation
Each liner section was assembled in temporary bunkers, ensuring that all welding activities were conducted under controlled conditions. Mactech’s lifting team, utilising Big Carl, executed the precise placement of the liner cup, rings, and dome. The complexity of the lifts was managed seamlessly, with the liner cup weighing 170 tonnes and the dome constructed from 38 individual panels, standing 14 meters high and weighing 200 tonnes.

Focus on Safety and Compliance
Mactech ensured that all personnel followed strict safety protocols throughout the construction process. This included continuous safety briefings, inspections, and adherence to nuclear regulations, ensuring that the containment liners were installed safely and efficiently, without delays or incidents.