French auditor recommends EDF delays UK Sizewell investment decision

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France’s state auditor has said that French nuclear company EDF should not make a final investment decision in the UK’s Sizewell C reactor project until it has reduced its exposure in Hinkley Point C.

In a report published on Tuesday, France’s Cour des Comptes also said EDF should make sure that any international projects should make “quantified gains” and must not delay the programme of new nuclear projects in France.

The auditors’ comments are not linked to the Financial Times reporting that the construction cost of the Sizewell C project in Suffolk is likely to reach £40bndouble the estimate in 2020. Delaying a final investment decision from EDF could further hold back the project and add to costs.

Asked about the FT report, a Cour de Comptes spokesperson said that, given cost overruns at other such projects, this increase appeared “logical”.