Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ

Sizewell B, Britain’s first pressurised water reactor and the country’s
latest nuclear landmark, is taking shape on the east coast. Last weekend
the construction phase passed an important milestone when the domed roof
of the reactor building liner – bigger than the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral
– was lifted into place. The operation was delayed for more than five weeks
while the civil engineers waited for suitable weather. The world’s largest
truck-mounted crane, which performed the feat, could complete the exercise
only if wind speeds were below 20 kilometres an hour.

Later this summer the steel heart of the plant, the 432-tonne reactor
pressure vessel, will be hauled into position. Nuclear Electric, which is
building the reactor, says the station will be ready for the start of commissioning
in late 1993.