Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset has been granted permission to enter the next phase of its construction.
The work, described as a "mammoth undertaking", will involve the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment at the plant, near Bridgwater.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation gave Hinkley the go-ahead after two years of scrutiny, according to the power station, and some 500 pieces of evidence being submitted.
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The approval means work to install 9,000km of cabling - the equivalent distance between London and Mexico - and 380km of pipework, can begin.
More than 4,000 people will be involved in the new phase of construction at its peak, Hinkley said, including welders and electricians.
It will also create opportunities within the supply chain for hundreds of small and large companies across the 海角视频, according to the plant.
The work is being delivered by a joint venture – the so-called ‘MEH Alliance’, formed by EDF and its major contractors Altrad, Balfour Beatty Bailey, Cavendish Nuclear and Doosan Babcock.
Construction director Simon Parsons, said the approval marked an "important next phase" for Hinkley Point C.
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“It is the result of two years of collaborative effort with our partners and contractors," he said. "It also opens up even more opportunities for local businesses and workers to get involved in Britain’s biggest net-zero project.”
In January, business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said Hinkley Point C would help protect the 海角视频 from “volatile” wholesale gas prices during a visit to the power station.
Mr Kwarteng praised the progress made during construction of the plant as he and exchequer secretary to the Treasury Helen Whately were shown around the site.
Hinkley Point C is one of the largest building projects in Europe and, when complete, it is hoped the plant will be able to generate low-carbon electricity for six million homes over 60 years.
Last September marked five years since full construction began, although EDF said in 2021 the start of electricity generation at the plant would be delayed by six months to June 2026 and previous cost estimates of £21.5bn to £22.5bn were revised up to between £22bn and £23bn.
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