EU Commission says nuclear energy not in energy state aid guidelines

BRUSSELS, Oct (KOSDAQ: 039200.KQ - news) 8 (Reuters) - Guidelines for when EU member states can use taxplayers' money to support energy generation will not include nuclear power, the European Commission, the EU executive, said on Tuesday.

Commission spokesman Antoine Colombani said EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia proposed that guidelines, expected to be published in November, should not include specific criteria on nuclear power. The other commissioners had agreed, he said.

Omitting nuclear aid does not mean it cannot qualify for public help, but it would be more cumbersome for countries, such as Britain, which is seeking to finance a new generation of nuclear power. (Reporting by Barbara Lewis; editing by Foo Yun-Chee)