Greece presents mobile recycling kiosk powered by solar panels
Envipco and Texan, which started the production of public devices for returning plastic, glass and metal packaging in Greece, launched their portable automated machine that runs exclusively on a photovoltaic system. The government in Athens is promoting public–private partnerships and it is about to detail an EU-funded program for local authorities worth EUR 2.5 billion. […]
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 […]
Environmental fund to resume grant programs put on hold by COVID-19
Croatia’s Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund is resuming grant programs for individuals and businesses following a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Announcing the resumption of regular activities in June, Siniša Kukić, the fund’s director, said that over EUR 79.3 million is expected to be approved under the grant programs by the end of […]
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.” […]
World Oceans Day 2020: Exploring innovation to protect oceans
The United Nations (UN) is celebrating this year’s World Oceans Day focusing on innovative solutions from around the globe that can help ensure a sustainable management of the world’s oceans amid unprecedented threats they face due to human activity. The UN’s virtual conference marking World Oceans Day 2020, to be followed by events throughout World […]
High-profile arrests in Croatia highlight claims of corruption in renewables in region
At least two government officials are suspected of abuse of power in the case of the biggest wind farm in Croatia, which receives a substantial stimulus. The scandal follows massive complaints by the local population throughout Southeastern Europe and numerous accusations by activists of irregularities and corruption in projects for renewables, mostly small hydropower plants. […]
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 […]