Off on the wrong foot in Kosovo? A lignite power plant and the EBRD
January 25, 2013
Notwithstanding the dominance of lignite in Kosovo’s energy mix, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development may get involved with yet another lignite project in the Western Balkans.
Which is the world’s worst company?
January 17, 2013
Reputation isn’t always a good thing. In an age of ‘corporate social responsibility’, corporations definitely don’t want to be known as ‘the worst company of the year’.
Comments on the EBRD’s 2006 Energy Operations Policy and recommendations for the forthcoming Energy Strategy
January 15, 2013
As the first step in its review of its Energy Operations Policy, the EBRD asked for input on its current policy before moving on to write the new sectoral strategy. In our comments, Bankwatch highlighted the current policy’s lack of restrictions on climate-damaging projects including coal power plants and the need for the bank to adopt strict sustainability criteria in order to ensure that it supports only truly sustainable renewable energy.
First do no harm – no subsidies for Šoštanj
January 14, 2013
To help stop the planet warming to a disastrous extent Europe must increase the price of energy paid by energy consumers. A huge redirection of private and public investment is needed. And unless we are extremely successful in increasing the energy efficiency of our economy, we will almost certainly also need schemes to organise a socially acceptable reduction of average working time (see here).
EIB signs €440-million loan guarantee for controversial coal plant
January 14, 2013
The European Investment Bank has signed a €440-million loan guarantee with the Slovenian government for a crisis-plagued 600 megawatt lignite TEŠ 6 coal plant, but the deal could yet be sunk by concerns about the climate and corruption.
The worst company of the year – Vote for Alstom in the People’s Public Eye Awards 2013
January 8, 2013
Alstom, the constructor for the Sostanj lignite power plant might just be the worst company of the year. You can vote for Alstom in the Public Eye Awards until January 23.
ALSTOM nominated for “Prestigious” Public Eye Awards
January 7, 2013
The French energy and transport conglomerate Alstom is one of the seven finalists for the People’s Public Eye Awards 2013. The nomination is a result of information submitted by NGOs Focus Slovenia, SHERPA France and CEE Bankwatch Network, in which dubious business practices of the company across the world are highlighted — often linked to proven corruption or corruption allegations surrounding the awarding of contracts.
Expert assessment of Alstom’s business ethics
January 4, 2013
The French energy and transport conglomerate Alstom is one of the seven finalists for the People’s Public Eye Awards 2013. This assessment – done by experts from the Institute for Business Ethics of the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland – takes a look at international treaties and Alstom’s conduct in relation to them.
The newest EBRD member, Kosovo, does not need new coal
December 22, 2012
Pristina – As Kosovo becomes the newest member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development today, civil society groups in the country tell the bank that it should exclude from the start any investments in coal and that it could have an enormous positive impact by supporting energy efficiency measures.
No excuses for the EIB to finance Sostanj
December 21, 2012
Ljubljana — The Slovenian parliament has ratified today – in an extraordinary session, right before the start of the Christmas holidays – the state guarantee contract between the European Investment Bank and the Slovenian government for a 440 million euros loan for the construction of a new coal unit at Sostanj.
