A spokeswoman for the Austrian chancellor was quoted as saying by Reuters that within two months of publishing the EC’s decision in EU journal on the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, Austria would take the Commission to court.
The project, which is being constructed by French utility firm EDF at Hinkley Point in southwest England, is considered essential for the UK government’s plan to replace one fifth of its old nuclear power and coal plants over the next 10 years.
In October 2014, the EU gave its approval to the UK state subsidy request for the project, which is a deal between EDF and the UK government.
Despite opposition from four members, the commission stated that the UK’s plans to subsidize the construction and operation of the plant are in line with the regulations on EU state aid.
Austria is a non-nuclear nation and considers atomic power as economically and environmentally unfeasible.
Under the terms of the deal, EDF Energy and project partners will be guaranteed a price of £92.50 ($151.25), representing double the current market price of electricity, over a period of 35 years.
The journal is expected to be released in two weeks.
