The economic viability of coal is ever decreasing. Without public financial support many coal investments are doomed to fail. Yet several institutions are still willing to finance an energy source that wrecks our climate, damages our health and wastes our money.
To help bring about a world beyond coal, we investigate and promote a socially responsible transition while exposing the economic, legal, social and environmental risks of coal power.
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We provide updates in English from the Balkans and other coal regions.
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Just transition
No one should be left behind when we reconstruct our world into one driven by clean energy. Working on just transition brings all actors who believe in fair regional redevelopment to the same table: unions, industry, public administration, governments, civil society and others sharing this goal.
Coal projects
Fossil gas
Fossil gas is the new coal. Although often labelled ‘natural,’ fossil gas is a major driver of the climate crisis. There is no more room for new investments in fossil gas projects if we are to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis and set a path towards decarbonisation.
District heating
District heating and individual heating are still dominated by fossil fuels and inefficient burning of wood without regard to sustainability criteria, in combination with a low degree of energy efficiency. This has to change, since heating plays a crucial role in the transition into a clean and zero-carbon economy.
Just transition
Working on just transition brings all actors who believe in fair regional redevelopment to the same table: unions, industry, public administration, governments, civil society and others sharing this goal. They should be working together to find what is best for their regions and communities, from creating good quality jobs to identifying sustainable alternatives.
Latest news
Големият замърсител в ЕС са въглищните централи на Западните балкани
Bankwatch in the media | 22 July, 2021Публикувано във факти.бг: Западните Балканите емитират двойно повече серен диоксид (SO2) от 221 електроцентрали в ЕС
Read moreВъглищните централи на Западните Балкани са най-големият замърсител
Bankwatch in the media | 21 July, 2021В момента Северна Македония е единствената държава в Западните Балкани, която потвърди, че ще се откаже от въглищата. Плановете са Скопие …
Read moreGLOBALNO ZAGRIJAVANJE, SUŠA, GLAD: Zašto su ljeta sve toplija?
Bankwatch in the media | 18 July, 2021Toplotni talas u Kanadi u junu odneo je desetine života, javlja britanski javni servis BBC. U …
Read moreRelated publications
Public money vs. pristine rivers
Study | 21 October, 2021 | Download PDFAs the EIB revises its Environmental and Social Standards, this report presents eight hydropower schemes in central and eastern Europe either financed or under consideration by the Bank. The projects – some financed directly and others via intermediari
Just transition in Poland – an overview of territorial just transition plans from six coal regions
Study | 2 September, 2021 | Download PDFPoland is one of the countries in central and eastern Europe that plans to use European funds to finance just transition in their coal regions. In order to receive the funds, these regions will need to prepare Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs).
Coal in Romania – a review of coal assets and their impact on the environment
Study | 16 August, 2021 | Download PDFThis report documents the power plants and coal mines in Romania in order to understand their negative impact on the environment, economy and public health and support a more rapid coal phase-out. The analysis was performed based on information collect
