THE work at the Hinkley Point C site near Bridgwater continues to push the boundaries of global engineering, as the world's largest crane has now lifted a 47-metre wide dome onto one of the reactor buildings.

The crane, dubbed Big Carl, successfully lifted the 245-tonne dome onto the site's first reactor building this morning (Friday, December 15), marking a major milestone for the project.

The achievement ends the year on a high as the 14-metre-tall dome sits on top of the 44-metre-high reactor building.

Read more: Massive 750-tonne crane hoisted into reactor building by 'Big Carl'

Work began at 7.20am, after careful planning to take advantage of a weather window which allowed the 90-minute long manoeuvre to be completed in low wind conditions.

The dome itself is wider than the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and made up of 38 prefabricated panels, which were shipped to Hinkley Point C and welded together in an onsite factory. 

The successful lift means the first nuclear reactor can be installed at the site next year.

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 said: “This is a major milestone in building Britain’s first nuclear reactor in a generation, and a key part of the UK 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.”