District heating – the role of EU investments in Latvia
February 10, 2021
Heating is a basic need in Latvia, where the average heating season lasts 200 days. More than half (58%) of Latvia’s primary energy consumption is used for heating. This report from Bankwatch and Green Liberty analyses the district heating projects implemented in Latvia with the support of EU funds during the last 20 years.
A dozen green deal steps for the new Slovak government
April 1, 2020
With the appointment of a new centre-right government in Slovakia on 21 March, the Slovak Climate Initiative prepared a twelve point programme to move Slovakia closer to its climate and energy goals.
Assessment of waste incineration capacities in the Upper Nitra region
March 26, 2020
A new study commissioned by Friends of the Earth-CEPA and Bankwatch estimates that a planned waste incinerator in Novaky, Slovakia will not solve energy, climate or waste issues. According to the analysis, it will be almost impossible for the plant to meet supply quotas and new recycling targets. Considering the high level of CO2 emissions from waste incineration, this solution will furthermore continue to pollute the environment while also preventing Slovakia from investing in renewables.
Will Europe’s just transition pilot support locals in Slovakia?
February 20, 2020
A just transition for Slovakia’s Upper Nitra is already underway. But turning plans into projects which can actually bring about this transition will be no easy feat. One of the challenges ahead will be to ensure that there is both enough money invested in the region and a sufficient number of good quality projects–projects that don’t lock in carbon-intensive technologies–that support local people.
First large-scale solar district heating plant in the Baltics opens in Latvia
September 24, 2019
In the town of Salaspils, Latvia, the sun will now provide most of the energy for heating water during warm months.
New study finds climate and energy plans at odds with EU targets for circular economy and emissions reductions
June 5, 2019
For immediate release – Five countries in central and eastern Europe all plan a variety of waste incineration methods in their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), jeopardising their ability to meet mandatory European targets aimed at improving recycling rates, fostering a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector, finds a new report from CEE Bankwatch Network.
Taking the chill off Romania’s residential buildings
June 4, 2019
Energy efficiency is taking centre stage in the Energy Union. Last summer, after long negotiations between the Parliament and the Council, a new energy efficiency target was set at 32.5 per cent by 2030. To meet the target, Romania is channelling public funds into renovating its residential sector which accounts for as much as 86 per cent of the country’s built environment.
In Latvia, people-led building restoration receives the largest-ever EU funding of its kind
July 19, 2018
A grant from the state-owned development financial institution ALTUM for multi-apartment residential building renovations in Salaspils, Latvia, is a success story about active residents and the support of their local municipality, which sets an important precedent for public mobilisation and participation.
Financing energy efficiency in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria
March 12, 2018
One of the five closely related and mutually reinforcing dimensions of the Energy Union is represented by energy efficiency, whose importance has also been underlined in the ambitious Paris Agreement. As the Climate and Energy Framework has set an indi