EBRD tightens environmental, disclosure standards for all hydropower projects
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has unveiled its new good governance policies after conducting public consultations across 8 cities, including Belgrade, Serbia. According to its new Environmental and Social Policy, the EBRD will require its financial intermediaries to refer all high-risk sub projects, including all hydropower projects, back to the EBRD’s in-house […]
Western Balkan countries once again commit to clean energy development, as EU warns them about hydropower
Western Balkan countries are renewing their vows to switch to clean energy sources under joint statements and declarations. However, the EU is calling for caution when it comes to hydropower, warning that the construction of hydropower plants (HPPs) must be in line with the sustainable development principles and the future EU requirements for countries in […]
Construction of SHPP near Štrpce halted, Podgorica to host talks on hydropower in the region
Amid the public outcry against the construction of small hydropower plants (SHPPs) throughout the region, with the latest cases in Štrpce in Kosovo* and at the Krapska river in Macedonia, all interested parties will have the opportunity to exchange views during two meetings in Podgorica – a public debate on planned hydropower plants (HPPs) on […]
Albania freezes new hydropower projects on environmental concerns
Albanian Energy and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku has said she will freeze work on new hydropower plants (HPPs) and launch an investigation into 182 licenses issued to build 440 HPPs. The announcement follows a meeting with residents of Gramsh, who are protesting against the construction of two HPPs on the Devoll river. The plants are […]
How is Balkan region progressing on energy and climate plans?
Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece are among 7 EU member states that failed to submit drafts of their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to the European Commission by the December 31, 2018 deadline. In the region, Romania, Slovenia, and Croatia have officially published their draft plans, while Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo*, Serbia, and Bosnia and […]
KESH adopts climate risk management plan
Albania’s state-owned power utility KESH, whose production is almost entirely dependent on hydropower plants (HPP), has adopted its first climate risk management plan, a strategic approach to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures and increasing hydrological variability. KESH operates a 1,350 MW hydropower cascade on the Drin River. It is facing challenges due to […]
Extending feed-in tariffs risks turning public opinion against renewable energy
Author: Pippa Gallop, Research Coordinator, CEE Bankwatch Network One of the main factors driving the controversial small hydropower boom in the Western Balkans is the availability of feed-in tariffs, providing investors with a near-certain income for several years. The aim of this policy has been to incentivise the development of renewable energy, however most of […]
Business interests of coal, oil, gas, nuclear are main obstacle to 100% renewable electricity worldwide
Serbia has enough potential to cover energy demand with renewables only, including solar, wind, biomass, organic waste, hydropower, and geothermal. The main obstacles to 100% renewable electricity worldwide are the business interests of coal, oil, gas, and nuclear, says Energy Watch Group (EWG) President Hans-Josef Fell, author of the 2000 German Renewable Energy Sources Act […]