A giant reactor has been installed at the first nuclear power station to be built in Britain for 30 years.
Hundreds of engineers and construction staff worked for several days to lift the 500-tonne piece of steel equipment into place at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.
The 42.6-foot-long unit is one of two reactors that will contain a nuclear chain reaction capable of generating enough power for six million homes when it opens in 2030.
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They will stay there for 60 years.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called it a major step forward.
He said: “Getting Hinkley up and running to produce clean power for six million homes will be a win for our long-term energy independence.”
Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C Managing Director, added: “This is an important moment, not just for the team at Hinkley Point C but also for everyone who wants to see the UK deliver energy security, fight climate change and provide power for our AI and digital future.
“We are working hard to play our part and using the experience gained delivering the first reactor to drive efficiencies in building our second one.
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“That experience will also benefit follow-on projects, such as Sizewell C, as well as boosting jobs and skills for the UK’s growth agenda.”
The cylinder was flipped in mid-air by a purpose-built crane before being lowered into position.
The reactor will power 25m high steam generators and drive turbines featuring the longest blades ever made.
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It is now due to open five years later than originally planned, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The estimated cost has risen to £46bn from the £18bn predicted in 2017.
It will contain radioactive uranium split by nuclear fission, in a chain reaction that generates a lot of heat.
Temperatures inside will average 300C.
Pressure will reach 155 bar, five times more than on a submarine at normal operating depth.
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