Hinkley Point C nuclear power station has reached a milestone in building work, as its first reactor building is being lifted into place.
Construction of the power plant in Somerset began in 2016. It was originally estimated the project would cost £18bn to build. This latest development will close the roof on the reactor building, allowing the first nuclear reactor to be installed in 2024.
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Engineering teams started lifting the 245-tonne steel dome into place early on Friday (December 15). Energy giant EDF, which is building the power station, said the achievement ends the year on a high as the 14-metre-tall dome sits on top of the 44-metre-high reactor building.
Simon Parsons, nuclear island area director, said: “Building the first nuclear power station in a generation is a challenging job and the success of this complex operation is due to the determination and commitment of our fantastic teams.
“Lifting the dome allows us to get on with the fitting of equipment, pipes and cables, including the first reactor which is on site and ready to be installed next year.”
Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie added: “This is a major milestone in building Britain’s first nuclear reactor in a generation and a key part of the 海角视频 Government’s plans to revitalise nuclear. Generating enough zero-carbon power for six million homes, Hinkley Point C will reduce our reliance on imported energy and support our shift to net zero.”
Around 10,000 workers and 3,500 British companies are building Hinkley Point C, which will power six million homes from an expected date of summer 2027. Construction costs are now reported to be within a range of £25bn to £26bn.
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In August, a new dashboard report from the Heart of the South West LEP, which analysed the plant's role as a catalyst for growth, job creation, and prosperity found that the project is having a positive impact on local communities, businesses and the economy.
And in June a supply chain programme supporting the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station was found to have helped South West firms to secure £180m worth of contracts and create more than 1,000 jobs.
A report on the six-year programme, funded by the Heart of the SW LEP, West of England Combined Authority and the Welsh Government found more than 1,300 companies in the South West and South Wales have received support to date.