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Austria ready to take legal action against subsidising of nuclear reactors

Austria ready to sue over subsidized nuclear plants: minister http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/us-austria-nuclear-idUSKBN0OC0KD20150527 Austria will take legal action to block any subsidized nuclear power plants in an effort to discourage use of the technology in Europe and scare off investors, the country’s environment minister, Andrae Rupprechter, said in a newspaper interview.

Rupprechter’s comments to business daily Wirtschaftsblatt reflect non-nuclear Austria’s tough stance, as evidenced by its intent to take the European Commission to court over approval of Britain’s plans for the Hinkley Point nuclear plant.

Neighboring Czech Republic also plans to extend its nuclear capacity.

“Should other countries present similar subsidy plans, we will fight these in court,” the minister said in the interview published on Wednesday, saying such state backing hindered the rollout of renewable energy technology.

“Giving preference to nuclear power is unacceptable. Nuclear energy is neither safe nor economical. A lawsuit may also make potential investors hesitant.” (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by David Goodman)

June 1, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general