Hinkley Point branded potentially risky for EDF by French auditor

Cour des Comptes urges greater study of nuclear project's risks given poor recent investments and the fact EDF must fund likely cost overruns

EDF's 18bn project to build nuclear reactors in Britain is potentially risky for the state-owned utility, whose foreign investments in recent years have proved disappointing, France's top public auditor has said.

In a report on EDF's international strategy, the Cour des Comptes - the French equivalent of the UK's National Audit Office - said EDF and its 85% state shareholding should take a close look at the risks associated with the project to build two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset.