The nuclear industry has been established for many years and should now be commercially viable without the need for subsidies. That it is receiving substantial subsidies is a clear breach of the principle of fair competition. Those subsidies are working against the renewable sources of power and conservation measures that are now urgently needed (see also the Reducing subsidies page).

The subsidies enjoyed by the nuclear industry invite legal challenge. But a conventional legal action via the courts would be expensive and it might be hard to raise the necessary funds. However, we have been advised that it may be possible to achieve a similar effect at much less cost by making a formal complaint to the European Commission, following the procedures that have been established under EU competition law.

Options of this kind are now being explored. Offers of help with funding will be very welcome.

New subsidies?

Notwithstanding the fact that the nuclear industry is already receiving substantial subsidies, several press reports towards the end of 2009 have suggested that the nuclear industry will not be willing to build new nuclear power stations in the UK unless it receives even more support such as a levy on consumer bills, tax breaks, or measures to raise the price of CO₂ emissions.

Although the UK government has said repeatedly that there will be no subsidies to support the building of new nuclear power stations, the UK government is apparently urging the European Commission to relax the rules on state aid to make it easier for the government to provide subsidies for the nuclear industry.

It would be useful if as many people as possible would write to the European Commission pressing them not to relax the rules on state aid, as described on our page about No new subsidies. It should only take a few minutes. Please write now.