Modulift Spreader Beams integral to Hinkley Point Construction

Specialist lifting equipment manufacturer Modulift, in collaboration with MEH Alliance, is playing a pivotal role in the installation of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC components at Hinkley Point C. Upon completion, this state-of-the-art power station will provide low-carbon electricity to around six million homes, meeting approximately 7% of the UK’s total electricity demand.

In a recent operation conducted by MEH Alliance, a MOD® 12 Spreader Beam was used to safely lift and position a 5.4-tonne cooling pump, a key component of the Reactor Cavity and Spent Fuel Pond Cooling System. The pump required safe lifting as it was hoisted and skated into its operational room, ready for installation. This milestone marked a significant step toward installing the first piece of rotating mechanical equipment in the Unit 1 Fuel Building.

MEH Alliance is responsible for managing the installation of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, essential for transforming Hinkley Point C into a fully operational nuclear power plant. Their work involves the installation of over 4,870 plant items, 366 km of pipework, and 7,500 km of electrical cabling, ensuring safe nuclear design, construction, and maintenance.

Once operational, Hinkley Point C and its two EPR reactors will generate enough low-carbon electricity to offset 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, amounting to an estimated 600 million tonnes over its 60-year lifespan.

The MOD® 12 spreader beam, along with the rest of the MOD® range, can be reconfigured for various spans, making it the ideal solution for repetitive lifts on large-scale infrastructure projects like this one. With different-sized cabling, pumps, and treatment systems being lifted weekly, the flexibility of the MOD® range ensures efficiency and adaptability. Certified with DNV Type Approval, the MOD® spreader beams arrive on-site ready for immediate use, making them a trusted choice in industries where health, safety, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.

Cooling pump being installed on site

Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift, commented: “The MOD 12 Spreader Beam demonstrates the versatility of our product range, allowing us to support the rigorous demands of the nuclear energy sector. Every piece of equipment is meticulously engineered to meet UK compliance standards and withstand the unique challenges posed by large-scale infrastructure projects like Hinkley Point C. We are proud to be a trusted partner in the development of this world-class facility.”