NGOs call for designation of no-go zones for construction of hydropower plants
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government representatives, experts, hydropower developers, and the local community gathered at an international conference in North Macedonia to discuss challenges and solutions concerning nature protection and hydropower projects in the country, according to a joint press release from NGOs Front 21/42, Riverwatch, and EuroNatur. At the conference, the first ever national approach […]
Green Party proposes moratorium on construction of small hydropower plants
The Green Party and activists fighting against the construction of small hydropower plants (SHPPs) have presented a five-point plan for the “unchecked surge of small hydropower plants,” the party said in a news release. The plan’s key point is to protect drinking water under the Constitution and in the meantime introduce a moratorium on the […]
RS citizens pay over EUR 6 million in incentives for small hydropower plants in 2018
The Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska (RS), an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has unveiled a list of legal entities and individuals that received electricity production incentives for small hydropower plants from 2016 to 2018. The list shows that small hydropower plants (SHPPs) received BAM 12.5 million (over EUR 6 million) in […]
Academy of Engineering Sciences of Serbia on SHPP: Mistakes, Consequences, Solutions
The Academy of Engineering Sciences of Serbia (AESS) has published its view on energy, environmental, and social problems arising from the construction of small hydropower plants (SHPP) with a long penstock, which represents the best overview so far of specific mistakes made by authorities since 2009, answers why the construction of such hydropower plants is […]
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 […]
Fewer small hydropower plants being built in Europe today than in previous decades – Energy Community chief
The intensity of the construction of small hydropower plants (SHPPs) in the European Union is much lower today than it used to be in previous decades, Energy Community Secretariat Director Janez Kopač said, noting that he would not definitely reject or support such projects. According to Insajder, when asked about EU countries’ experiences with SHPPs, Kopač […]
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 […]
Protest against small hydropower plants to be held in Belgrade on Sunday
The initiative Defend the Rivers of Mt. Stara Planina will hold a rally to protest the construction of small hydropower plants (SHPPs) in Belgrade on Sunday, with the official start scheduled for 1 pm at the Studentski Trg square. The only demand is to immediately halt the construction of all run-of-river SHPPs in Serbia, according […]