Sustainability criteria for hydropower development
December 11, 2016
Any hydropower project no matter the size can cause negative consequences to water basins, associated ecosystems, to climate and affected communities living along the water basins. A large number of individually acceptable projects can also lead to una
Going abroad – a critique of the European Investment Bank’s External Lending Mandate
November 18, 2016
This report analyses how and if the European Investment Bank (EIB) is fulfilling its development role under the so-called External Lending Mandate (ELM) for the period 2014-2020. It sheds light on the more questionable quality and effectiveness of EIB operations and on the neglected areas of the bank’s performance outside Europe, such as transparency and access to information practices, its attitude towardstax evasion and tax dodging, human rights due diligence.
The sound and the fury: new film documents the plight of communities near Romanian coal plant
November 16, 2016
Oppressive noise and a cloud of dust engulf the residents of Roșia de Jiu and Rogojel, villages located next to Romania’s Rovinari power plant. In a new video, Bankwatch Romania has documented the toll that producing coal energy is having on these communities that live near the lignite mines, transport belts and power plant at Rovinari.
Why coal is not the way forward – facts versus myths
November 14, 2016
Coal is the single biggest contributor to global climate change. But governments and investors planning new coal capacities have a range of flimsy arguments why coal would be the best or the only alternative. This briefing busts a number of myths surrounding coal, such as “coal is cheap”, “alleviates poverty” or “coal is clean”.
Deceptive promises of new jobs in the coal sector don’t help workers, communities or the climate
November 14, 2016
Now is the time for southeast Europe to start an inclusive and just transition away from lignite, argues new Bankwatch research.
Overblown job promises in southeast Europe’s coal sector show the need for a just transition – report
November 14, 2016
Promises for new jobs in south-east Europe’s coal sector are exaggerated, a new Bankwatch report reveals. Hardly any coal operations across the region are economically viable, and as a result many coal workers, especially in the mines, are set to lose their jobs, even if the plans for countless new power plants materialise. Governments, coal workers and their wider communities need to work together towards a just transition.
The great coal jobs fraud – unrealistic employment claims in southeast Europe
November 14, 2016
This report reveals how and why promises for new jobs in south-east Europe’s coal sector are exaggerated. Hardly any coal operations across the region are economically viable, and as a result many coal workers, especially in the mines, are set to lose their jobs, even if the plans for countless new power plants materialise. Governments, coal workers and their wider communities need to work together towards a just transition.
New South East Europe NGO scorecard report shows mixed progress towards a sustainable energy sector
November 8, 2016
Progress – albeit uneven – is being made towards increasing sustainability in South East Europe’s energy sector, according to a new scorecard report launched today by a group of NGOs. CO2 emissions, electricity losses and energy intensity have all seen decreases in most countries in the region, but less progress has been made on increasing the share of solar and wind energy and tackling corruption.
Sustainable energy: How far has South East Europe come in the last five years?
November 8, 2016
Countries of south-east Europe have outdated, polluting and wasteful energy systems. Change to this situation has been slow in coming. But are there signs of hope? This scorecard report seeks to answer this question by giving a glimpse into changes in the energy sector between 2010 and now.
Historic win for frontline communities: plans for coal power project in Turkey shelved
October 31, 2016
Communities in Aliağa, Turkey, who have been resisting the construction of coal power plants in the region for decades, have achieved a significant victory. Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company SOCAR, has decided to shelve plans to construct an integrated 672 MW coal power plant in Aliağa, İzmir.