A NEW film has been released by EDF Energy showing the latest progress with construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The virtual tour of the site shows how 10,000 workers a day are approaching Hinkley’s next major engineering feat, when Big Carl, the world’s largest crane, will lift the 245-tonne steel dome to close the first reactor building.

The six-minute video is presented by EDF nuclear island, site and civil director Simon Parsons.

The tour goes out several miles under the seabed to see the final stages in the completion of the station’s cooling water intakes.

It also shows work on the 164 feet tall turbine hall, which will house the world’s largest Arabelle steam turbine.

Work to fit the miles of cables, pipes, and equipment is also well underway.

EDF said to date more than £5 billion had been spent with companies across the Westcountry with 3,700 British firms being awarded contracts with the project.

The first of Hinkley’s two nuclear reactors is due to start generating electricity in mid-2027, with the second coming on stream a year later.

Hinkley C will eventually provide six million homes with reliable, low-carbon energy during its 60 years lifespan, and will be vital in helping Britain achieve its net zero carbon target and strengthening the country’s energy security.

The station’s construction costs have soared from the original £23 billion estimate and it is now thought it will top £32 billion.