Hinkley Point C installs 750-tonne crane days ahead of dome lift

By Hinkley Point C media team | Posted July 14, 2025

Hinkley Point C has kicked off an epic week of engineering by installing the huge rotating “polar” crane in the second reactor building, days before its dome is due to be lifted into place. The spectacular dome lift will be broadcast live from Hinkley Point C - teams are watching the weather to find the perfect moment. 

The polar crane will rotate 360° and will handle heavy components during the power plant’s construction and future operation, including the reactor and steam generators.

New pictures show the complex two-day operation, using “Big Carl”, the world’s largest crane. Thanks to experience gained from Unit 1, the second “polar” crane was assembled 40% faster, showing how the big benefits of building and repeating an identical design with the same people. 

Big Carl will be back in action very soon, when the 245-tonne dome is placed onto the second reactor building. The power station will provide around 10% of the country’s electricity, boosting Britain's energy security.

The dome lift will be broadcast live on EDF Energy’s YouTube channel: Big Carl lifts the dome onto second reactor | Hinkley Point C

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The world's largest crane, "Big Carl" installed the 750-tonne "polar" crane
The world's largest crane, "Big Carl" installed th...
View | Download (20.54 MB)
The "polar" crane will rotate 360° above the reactor and will lift heavy equipment
The "polar" crane will rotate 360° above the react...
View | Download (20.66 MB)
The two-day operation was carefully planned to take advantage of low winds
The two-day operation was carefully planned to tak...
View | Download (21.37 MB)
The second reactor building is now ready for its huge dome to be lifted
The second reactor building is now ready for its h...
View | Download (28.24 MB)
Thanks to experience from Unit 1, the second "polar" crane was built 40% faster
Thanks to experience from Unit 1, the second "pola...
View | Download (26.74 MB)

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