The Commission Decision on the Aid for the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station in the United Kingdom as an Example of State Aid for Nuclear Energy

Abstract

The Polish government plans to construct the first nuclear power station in Poland. The costs of the investment show that even the largest state owned energy companies in Poland need external financing. There is no doubt that state aid is needed. Consequently, European rules on state aid and their practical usage are very important in considering the ways of financing the construction of a nuclear plant in Poland. One of the latest Commission decisions in this matter is the Hinkley Point C decision. The Author presents the arguments put forward by the United Kingdom and the Commission in this particular case. One of the interesting devices utilized by the British government was a contract for difference, to which the Author devotes his particular attention.The Author claims that the decision-making process of the Commission in nuclear energy matters is of political nature, although it is not arbitrary. The Polish government should take into account those premises