Western Balkan countries on the way to finalizing their National Energy and Climate Plans
Western Balkan countries, partners of the GIZ Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe – Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE), have made substantial progress in the preparation of their draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), demonstrating a commitment to following the pace of the EU member states who are in the process of finishing their final versions. […]
Montenegrin government proposes Law on Energy, eases rules for prosumers
The Government of Montenegro has adopted the draft Law on Energy to make it easier for consumers to become prosumers which means they could generate and consume their own green energy. The bill was prepared after public debate and in close cooperation with the energy companies and other stakeholders, the government said on its website. […]
Slovenia’s ELES to pay EUR 49.75 per MWh for transmission losses in 2021
The Slovenian transmission system operator completed the auction for baseload products it would buy for the next three calendar years. ELES said suppliers offered electricity at EUR 49.5 per MWh to EUR 55.7 per MWh for the company to cover losses. After a public call, ELES conducted an electronic auction for power suppliers in order […]
EPCG signs agreement on TPP Pljevlja environmental overhaul
Montenegrin state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has signed an agreement worth over EUR 54 million on an environmental overhaul of its coal-fired thermal power plant (TPP) Pljevlja, a project that will extend the plant’s lifespan by 30 years and greatly reduce its impact on the environment. The agreement on the environmental overhaul was […]
PPC begins voluntary layoffs at coal mines with program for 890 workers
The state-owned company PPC managing lignite open pits and thermal power plants in Greece launched the first round of the voluntary layoffs for employees in the fossil fuel business. Workers aged 55 and higher who apply are entitled to compensation of EUR 35,000 each. Minister Kostis Hatzidakis says PPC may let go up to 5,500 […]
Hungary, Serbia set to double power interconnection capacity
Hungary and Serbia plan to double their cross-border power interconnection capacity and exchange, according to Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. Increasing the interconnection capacity will enable electricity balancing between the two countries, Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Aleksandar Antić said following a meeting with Szijjártó in Budapest. Hungary has a strong […]
Serbia issues draft spatial plan for coal-fired thermal power plant Kolubara B
A public consultation was launched on the draft spatial plan for the special purpose area and the strategic environmental impact assessment report for Kolubara B. Serbia is moving ahead with the development of the coal power plant project, arguing “it is not possible” to replace the fossil fuel with other sources “in the near term.” […]
Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia plan to burn coal beyond 2030 – report on final NECPs
A new report published by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and ZERO looks into the final national energy and climate plans (NECPs) of 15 member states including countries in Southeastern Europe – Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia. In their initial drafts, a number of countries had already put forward much needed coal phaseout goals in […]