EDF investment decision on Hinkley Point faces further delay over UK’s alleged failure to consult Europe adequately on environmental impacts
EDF’s final investment decision on its GBP 18bn (USD 26bn) British nuclear power project Hinkley Point C could be delayed further after a UN committee found that the UK did not adequately consult with its European neighbours regarding the potential environmental impacts of the plant, The Guardian reported. Documents reviewed by the newspaper showed Britain is considered by a committee within the UN’s economic and social council to have breached its obligations in the matter.
The ruling is likely to hamper any final sign-off by France-based developer EDF until the issue is resolved, according to Paul Dorfman, senior researcher at University College London’s Energy Institute, the report said. Dorfman said a fresh legal challenge based on the UN ruling is likely, describing the latest development as a significant blow to the UK government.
A spokesperson for the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change stated that all relevant requirements had been met regarding international obligations relating to Hinkley Point C, the item reported. Austria, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands complained they were not consulted on Hinkley by the UK but should have been because of the potential for a nuclear accident at the project resulting in radioactive pollution across the rest of Europe, the report said.
The Guardian