World's largest construction crane lifts 245-ton dome onto UK reactor

London-based EDF Energy has successfully lifted a 245-ton dome onto the Unit 2 reactor building at Hinkley Point C, a new nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK. Using "Big Carl," the world’s largest construction crane, the 14-meter-tall dome—comprising 900 welds—was positioned atop the reactor structure, which stands 44 meters tall. Hinkley Point C, featuring twin reactors, is the first nuclear plant built in Britain in 30 years and aims to provide zero-carbon electricity to over six million homes. The project employs prefabrication techniques to accelerate construction, with an expected operational date in 2031, five years later than initially planned due to pandemic-related delays. The total cost to UK taxpayers is approximately £26 billion ($33 billion). "Big Carl," named after the founder of its manufacturing company, is a massive crane with 96 wheels, powered by 12 engines, capable of moving along 6 kilometers of track and lifting up