Platform Initiative launched to support clean energy transition in coal regions in Western Balkans and Ukraine
The Energy Community Secretariat has announced the launch of a Platform Initiative to support the clean energy transition in coal regions in the Western Balkans and Ukraine through knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and financial assistance. The Platform Initiative will be led by the World Bank and implemented under the political leadership from the European Commission, […]
Romania to allocate EUR 23 million for closure of two coal mines in Jiu Valley
Romania has drafted the decision to grant RON 110 million (EUR 22.6 million) for the closure of coal mines Lonea and Lupeni in the Jiu Valley. The mines are operated by energy company Complexului Energetic Hunedoara (CE Hunedoara). The decision is being prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Energy, according to the local media. […]
Coal power plants in EU shuttering amid jump in expenses from end-June
Exemptions in air pollution limits in the EU are about to be abolished, so owners of older coal-fired power plants will have fewer operational hours allowed. Another option, aside from closing the facilities, is to invest in efficiency and environmental protection, but with little to no guarantee it would be cost effective. While ČEZ is […]
Southeastern Europe may get EUR 10 billion as EU boosts Just Transition Fund plan
The European Commission has proposed to increase the funds intended for the energy transition of coal regions from EUR 7.5 billion to EUR 40 billion. The initial proposal for the economic recovery of the 27-country bloc has been amended to add massive stimulus. The move is part of the newest effort of the Commission, called […]
Region gets EU support to wrap up just transition plans
The European Commission has approved all requests made by 18 member states including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, and Romania, for support in the preparation of their territorial just transition plans, which each country will have to draw up to get access to funding from the Just Transition Mechanism. The Just Transition Mechanism is part of […]
Delaying coal phaseout would be expensive for Bulgaria, Romania and Greece
The drop in market prices of power amid the coronavirus crisis opens the way for a less costly closure of thermal power plants that burn lignite. Postponing the coal phaseout in Balkan states would magnify expenses, according to a study released by the Southeast Europe Energy Transition Network. The COVID-19 pandemic sent market prices of […]
N. Macedonia is first country in Western Balkans mulling coal phaseout before 2030
North Macedonia’s government has approved the Energy Development Strategy until 2040 which makes it the first country in the Western Balkans to consider a coal phaseout before 2030, Bankwatch said in a press release. Two of the strategy’s scenarios entail a coal exit by 2025, with the third delaying the closure of the Bitola lignite […]
Clean energy potential of coal regions in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Slovenia: EU report
In more than half of the 42 coal regions in the European Union, the switch to clean energy can create more jobs than currently exist in the coal sector, finds the latest report of the European Commission. The study of its Joint Research Centre (JRC) on clean energy technologies in coal regions includes seven regions […]