HINKLEY C has hit its biggest milestone yet on schedule. 

The completion of the base for the first reactor, known as “J-zero”, means that the construction of the nuclear buildings above ground can now begin in earnest. 

The final 9,000m³ of concrete was the largest concrete pour in the UK, beating a 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 was marked by a visit from the minister responsible for nuclear energy, Andrew Stephenson MP, who saw the construction site on Friday and met apprentices at the National College for Nuclear.

EDF say good progress and efficiency improvements means the second Hinkley Point C reactor will hit its own J-zero moment in June 2020.

EDF also announced a joint venture to install the pipes and cables at the power station, and as part of this have announced the development of a new welding centre of excellence in Bridgwater.

The ambition is to provide 350-500 welding NVQ qualifications per year.

Nigel Cann, Hinkley C delivery director said lessons would be learnt from the development of Hinkley C which would improve efficiency and reduce costs at the near identical project at Sizewell C and Bradwell B.

Almost 4,000 people are now working at Hinkley C, half of which are from the local area.

The world’s largest crane – the Sarens SGC 250 – is taking shape on site to allow prefabrication of large parts of the nuclear buildings.

The minister for nuclear at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Andrew Stephenson is one the Conservative MPs backing Boris Johnson.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Mr Johnson's key pledge is that if he is in charge then Britain will leave the EU on October 31 whether a new deal has been agreed with the EU or not.

But Mr Stephenson says he does not fear the impact of a no deal Brexit on a large international collaborative project like Hinkley C.

Mr Stephenson said: "Boris has been very clear that he wants a deal, he is going to work to secure a deal and that is the ambition of the government, so I don't think we need to be worried about a no deal.

"Boris will get us that deal, he will get us out of Europe, and I think regardless of what happens, collaborative projects with companies like great French companies like EDF and Chinese companies and others, that's all going to continue well into the future.

“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.”

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 an 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.”

Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset Ian Liddell-Grainger added: “When so many major engineering projects are beset with delays almost as a matter of course it’s hugely gratifying to see progress rolling on steadily at Hinkley – and the benefits to Bridgwater and the wider Somerset economy continuing to flow from the construction site.”