Financing the low carbon transition in Romania
February 21, 2020
Romania is the country in the South East European and Central East European with the best enabling conditions for the energy transition. Yet it continues to be one of the lignite intensive countries in the EU. Read our report to explore why on the European scale, Romanians still pay more than their European counterparts for the costs of this carbon intensive energy system.
Carbon sleight of hand continues at Czech coal giant
November 12, 2018
The quasi state-owned Czech energy company ČEZ is up to its old tricks again. It celebrates a 30 % reduction in emissions, praising the public free allowances, and conveniently forgets to link the drop in emissions with the sale of some of its largest power plants.
Western Balkans are massively expanding coal power – but the new plants may have to be closed again soon
March 29, 2017
Plans for new lignite power plants in Western Balkan countries do not take into account the effect of CO2 prices, according to a new Bankwatch study. As a result, the plants risk becoming uncompetitive in the future, with taxpayers footing the bill.
The ETS Modernisation Fund: Catalysing a locally-driven energy transition in central and eastern Europe
June 21, 2016
Energy Cities, Counter Balance, CEE Bankwatch Network and Change Partnership see the ongoing revision of the European ETS as a crucial opportunity to support the EU in meeting its 2030 climate targets, deliver on the Paris agreement and accelerate the locally driven energy transition. We welcome the proposal to establish an ETS (Emission Trading System) Modernisation Fund for low-income Member States.
Fossil fuel subsidies from Europe’s carbon market
April 27, 2016
The so called Article 10c of the EU ETS Directive allows lower-income Member States from central and eastern Europe to give allowances for free to electricity installations under the condition that they invest at least the equivalent monetary value of the free allowances in the modernisation and diversification of their energy systems. This briefing contains a detailed review of the experience so far and offers recommendations for the post 2020-period.
EU’s flagship climate instrument used to subsidise coal in Central and Eastern Europe
April 26, 2016
The EU’s carbon market rules allow Central and Eastern European Member States to invest up to €12 billion in coal powered energy production. As representatives of the EU Member States are due to discuss the EU ETS this Wednesday, the new publication “Fossil fuel subsidies from Europe’s carbon market” adds momentum to the need to overhaul this policy.
ETS Modernisation Fund – catalysing the clean energy transformation in central and eastern Europe
April 11, 2016
Within the framework of the EU’s 2030 climate and energy policies, the Modernisation Fund aims to support lower-income Member States in meeting their investment needs related to energy efficiency, including financing small-scale investments projects and the modernisation of energy systems. Based on experience with funding mechanisms at the European Investment Bank, the European Commission and the EU budget, this briefing recommends several structural elements for the establishment of the Fund.
New facts are busting energy myths
July 18, 2013
Adequate decision making on energy policies must be based on accurate information and cannot rely on outdated knowledge and misconceptions. A new series of fact sheets explores the myths and facts of Europe’s energy sector.
The many faces of coal subsidies. A glance at Romania.
May 29, 2012
The case of two Enel investments in Romania illustrates how subsidies for coal power can be ambiguous, but provide very concrete disincentives for investments in renewable energy.
Poland’s anti-climate gamble continued
April 18, 2012
Poland’s application for free emission allowances is a disgrace to European climate goals. If granted, the country’s fossil fuel centred plans would mean a step back for Europe’s plans to decarbonise its energy sector.
