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The base of the first nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point C has been completed in what is being described as "its biggest milestone" so far.

The reactor, known as "J-Zero", now paves away for the construction of the nuclear buildings above ground can commence.

The final 9,000m³ of concrete poured onto the base was the largest concrete pour in the UK - more than the record set by the Shard in London.

Reinforced with 5,000 tonnes of Welsh steel, the base has been under construction by the UK-French joint venture of Bouygues-Laing O'Rourke for six months.

The event will be marked by the minister responsible for nuclear energy, Andrew Stephenson, visiting the construction site today (Friday, June 28) and to meet apprentices at the National College for Nuclear.

(Image: EDF Energy)

A spokesman for EDF Energy said the "good progress and efficiency improvements" means that the second Hinkley Point C reactor will be completed in June 2020.

Watch the video above to see the latest progress at Hinkley Point C.

Britain's first nuclear power station in more than 20 years will provide low carbon electricity, a move that a spokesman said will "play a vital role in helping the UK tackle the climate change crisis."

The power station near Bridgwater will make 'Net Zero' emissions possible and help the country have an affordable and secure electricity supply.

Hinkley Point C will supply the UK with low carbon electricity to meet seven per cent of the country's energy needs.

EDF Energy say the station is on course to be active towards the end of 2025.

What else is happening at Hinkley Point C?

(Image: EDF Energy)

A spokesman for EDF Energy confirmed the construction of the second of Hinkley Point C's two units is "well underway".

Almost 4,000 people are now working on the site with half of workers from the local area.

430 of 1,000 apprentices have been hired and 8,500 people have been trained and assessed at the specially built Construction Skills and Innovation Centre near the site

EDF Energy has invested £4.5 million into the South West Institute of Technology and Bridgwater & Taunton College, to develop a new welding centre of excellence in Bridgwater.

The centre will train and qualify the UK's next generation of welders, benefitting people and industries across the South West.

What is Hinkley Point C? The site has been described as "the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK" and is due to be complete in 2025. The twin-reactor station will eventually deliver low-carbon power to some six million homes and will create an estimated 25,000 employment opportunities. The planned twin unit UK EPR will be capable of generating 3,260MW of secure, low carbon electricity for 60 years. When completed, the plant will meet about seven per cent of the UK's electricity needs. The power station will be the most expensive man-made object on Earth when it is finished.

£1.5bn of contracts have been awarded in the South-West and 64 per cent of the project value is being spent with UK firms.

Forgings for the pressure vessel and steam generators are underway at Framatome in France and the world's largest turbine is under construction at GE.

Pipes and cables will be installed by UK contractors, namely Balfour Beatty, Cavendish Nuclear, Altrad and Doosan Babcock.

The world's largest crane, the Sarens SGC 250, is currently being constructed at the site. The crane will allow prefabrication of large parts of the nuclear buildings, which improves quality and saves time.

Reactor base completion a "huge achievement" and a "major milestone for the UK's nuclear new-build industry"

(Image: EDF Energy)

Andrew Stephenson, Minister for Nuclear at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, described the completion of the reactor base a "major milestone for the UK's nuclear new-build industry".

He said: "This is a huge achievement for Hinkley Point C and a major milestone for the UK’s nuclear new-build industry, which - as a low-carbon electricity source - is key to meeting our ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2050."

"The project will not only power nearly six million homes, it will add an enormous boost to the local and national economy, delivering over 25,000 new jobs and securing long-term, well-paid employment – a key step in delivering clean growth as part of our modern Industrial Strategy."

Hinkley Point C Managing Director, Stuart Crooks added: "I am proud of the talent and achievement of our diverse UK workforce, our unions, our international supply chain and the design team in France.

(Image: EDF Energy)

"We are benefitting from direct experience from other EPR projects and a partner in CGN which understands the technology and the project."

EDF Energy CEO Simone Rossi said: "Hinkley Point C's progress is good news for anyone concerned about the climate change crisis.

"Its reliable low carbon power will be essential for a future with no unabated coal and gas and a large expansion of renewable power.

"The innovation at Hinkley Point C sets up the opportunity to reduce costs for consumers for a near identical power station at Sizewell C in Suffolk."

Got a Hinkley Point C or Bridgwater story to share?

Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742.

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