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EDF's Hinkley Point C nuclear project (UK) challenged in court

Action Alliance, a group of Greenpeace, Energieversorgung Filstal, Oekostrom AG and the German municiapilities of Aalen, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Bochum, Mainz, Mühlacker, Schwäbisch Hall and Tübingen, has announced its plans to file a plea for annulment with the Court of Justice of the European Union over the Hinkley Point C nuclear power project in the United Kingdom. The project secured a "contract for difference" in the United Kingdom (guaranteed power purchase price) that was approved by the European Commission in October 2014. Action Alliance challenges this "state aid", estimating that the EU approval sets a precedent for future nuclear projects, as nuclear power projects in Europe "could lower the wholesale price of electricity in Germany by as much as 11.8%" and threaten the development of renewable power generation. The Constitutional Service of the Federal Chancellery of Austria is also considering filing a lawsuit against the European Commission decision.

The Hinkley Point C project is developed by EDF Energy (45%-50%), China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGNPC) with 15%-20% each and Areva (10%); a potential partner could take up to 15% in the project. It will consist of two 1,630 MW EPR reactors, expected to be commissioned in 2023 and 2024. Total investment is estimated at £16bn (€22bn). In April 2015, EDF decided to suspend pre-construction works until a final investment decision is taken.

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