CND expressed disappointment today at the European Commission’s decision to approve a state aid package for EDF to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The Commission has been investigating the deal for the past year amidst growing concern that British energy consumers will end up subsidising the plant if the project goes ahead, guaranteeing profit for the energy giant. It estimates that UK energy consumers could pay EDF and its partners as much as £17.6 billion in subsidies if the package goes ahead.
CND’s General Secretary Kate Hudson said:
“It is unfathomable that the European Commission has given the green light to the British government’s plan to subsidise a dirty energy source with no future; a deal which goes against the very principle of the EU’s competition rules. It says it all that this old technology still requires government support to be profitable.
“The Austrian government has already indicated it will challenge this decision at the European Court of Justice. I hope more countries support this action.
“There is a strong campaign against a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point and against nuclear power more generally in this country. CND will continue to make the case for an end to this unsafe and expensive form of energy.”