A likely investigation by the European Union could hold up a deal between the UK and EDF on the construction of new reactors at Hinkley Point.
The Guardian and other outlets reported Monday that the European Commission's vice president of economic competition has begun studying the parties' power price agreement and expects a formal investigation. That could take years and introduces a new element of uncertainty to the project.
Under EU rules that aim to prevent unfair competition, member states are restricted in the support they can give private companies. An investigation would center on the 35-year minimum power price guarantee the UK granted to EDF and its partners in exchange for investing in the project.
The UK's government maintains that the deal will fall within EU rules, reiterating that nuclear power makes up a large part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions. Elsewhere in Europe, the Guardian reported that Germany and Austria oppose the development of new nuclear power and argue that reactors, unlike renewables, should not receive state aid.