PARIS (AP) — French energy company EDF is due to decide whether to go ahead with a major nuclear power plant project in southwest England that some consider too costly.

The company's board meeting Thursday is under high scrutiny, with unions saying the 24 billion euro ($27 billion) cost of the investment could put the overall company at risk. They have taken legal action to try to delay the project, saying the decision is being forced through.

Environmental activists oppose the project at a time when some countries, like Germany, are moving away from nuclear energy.

EDF is majority-owned by the French government, which supports the Hinkley Point power plant project.

The two reactors could ultimately produce 7 percent of British electricity and create 25,000 jobs, according to EDF.