Somerset County Council has welcomed the EU's approval of Government action on Hinkley C nuclear power plant as a 'giant step forward'.
EU chiefs yesterday ruled that UK Government plans to subsidise the construction and operation of the new plant would be in line with state aid rules surrounding company competitiveness.
The decision is thought to be a final hurdle for EDF's £16bn plan to build Europe's biggest nuclear power plant in Somerset.
Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr John Osman, said: 'This is great news and a giant step forward.
'The Hinkley C development will transform our county's economy in years to come, and having this high-profile development on our doorstep confirms Somerset as a serious destination for business growth in Britain.'
Cllr David Hall, cabinet member for business and inwards investment, added: 'We now anticipate that once EDF Energy has reached its final agreement with its investment partners, our communities will be set to benefit hugely from the creation of jobs and millions of pounds-worth of investment in our infrastructure.'
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: 'Whilst there's still a way to go before construction can officially start in Somerset, it will mean around £16bn of investment coming into the country and the creation of 25,000 jobs, which is brilliant news for the South West and for the country as a whole as UK companies could benefit from getting more than 50% of the work.'
Trade union Unite's national officer Kevin Coyne welcomed the EU decision as 'great news' that should provide a sizable boost for both the local community and construction industry.
