In Georgia, locals voice opposition to mega dam during consultations despite intimidation
September 17, 2013
Khaishi – A public debate over the fate of the Khudoni dam in western Georgia turned tense today as locals opposing the project were intimidated by authorities and the project developer, Transelectrica LTD. Despite the threats, villagers in Khaishi turned out in significant numbers to the consultation to express their opposition to the project.
Sustainability criteria for hydropower development
August 28, 2013
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 unacceptably high negative cumulative effects. This briefing lays out sustainability criteria that help taking these concerns into account in the strategic planning and implementation of hydropower developments.
Comments on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Georgia
July 25, 2013
Off balance – The Georgian energy sector and the contradictions in EU policy and practice
June 18, 2013
This study reviews the development of greenfield hydro projects in Georgia and explores how current energy sector trends in the country relate – or otherwise – to sustainable energy principles.
New EBRD Environmental and Social policy needs climate muscle and tightened safeguards for protected areas
May 10, 2013
If there is one sector in which the EBRD has been causing particular controversy in recent years, it is the energy sector. From lignite in Slovenia to hydropower in Georgia and nuclear in Ukraine, the bank has financed a series of projects that have incurred opposition from various quarters. Now that the EBRD is revising its Environmental and Social Policy it’s time to take a look at what needs to be learned from these projects.
Sustainability criteria for small and large hydropower plants
May 10, 2013
In recent years the EBRD has increased its funding for hydropower plants (HPPs) of all sizes. While small hydropower plants are seen by many as a far safer technology than large hydropower plants, they too can cause interruptions in river flows, loss of biodiversity and the degradation of habitats, disruptions for migrating fish and a lack of water for irrigation and drinking in downstream communities. The updated EBRD Environmental and Social Policy should include safeguards to ensure that small HPPs are truly sustainable.
Hydropower development in Georgia
March 25, 2013
Georgia plans to build a huge number of dams. Yet with 85 percent of electricity needs satisfied and exports not being taxed, these plans will rather benefit private investors than offering sustainable development for Georgia.
That’s what they call sustainable. The EBRD’s 10 billion for sustainable energy
November 6, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development boasts of having invested 10 billion euros in sustainable energy since 2006. A closer look reveals that although the bank’s efforts deserve recognition, several investments make a mockery of ‘sustainability’.
Georgia: Tbilisi Offers Companies Forgiveness for Environmental Sins
June 28, 2012
By creating loopholes in environmental legislation, is President Mikheil Saakashvili’s administration making a deal with the devil?
Europe’s unequal partnerships – a sad tale about energy
June 25, 2012
A too strong focus on energy security is steering Europe’s engagement with neighbouring states in a troublesome direction for the partnering countries.
