Declaration of local community in Kaishi to cancel contract for Georgian Khudoni dam
March 9, 2016
In this declaration, the community of Khaishi, a village in the mountains in north west Georgia, called for a the cancellation of the contract for the construction of the 700MW Khudoni dam. Khaishi residents demand the recognition of customary land rights and the inclusion of Svans into the decision-making over the project.
Putting energy efficiency first. Reframing the European Investment Bank’s action in times of transition and uncertainty
March 7, 2016
The study shows how the European Investment Bank (EIB) has valid reasons to start embracing the energy efficiency first principle and implement it in its lending decision: significant energy savings will be needed regardless of the climate mitigation route taken and to enable the proper roll out of its climate strategy and lead the energy transition. The study looks at how the EIB can do this through its lending policies and financial decisions.
Legal analysis: application of chapter II of the Industrial Emissions Directive in the Energy Community
February 29, 2016
This brief analysis provides a basic overview of how Chapter II and related annexes (esp Annex I) of the EU Directive 2010/75/EU (Industrial Emissions Directive, hereinafter also IED) could be included as part of the legally binding framework of the Energy Community.
Prospects for implementing air quality directives in the Energy Community
February 29, 2016
Among the acts that introduce instruments and regulations for environmental protection into the Energy Community Treaty instruments relating to air quality protection are clearly missing.
Briefing on Nenskra hydropower plant for the European Investment Bank
February 25, 2016
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is in the early stage of assessing a loan for the 280 megawatt Nenskra hydropower plant, located on the Nenskra and Nakra rivers in the Caucasus mountain valleys inhabited by ethnic Svans. The poor quality assessment of the project, together with the neglect of the opinion of locals, threatens to aggravate the fading public acceptance of hydropower. With this project, the EIB and other potential international financiers have a chance to insist on changes to the imprudent course hydropower developments have taken in Georgia and to request tighter environmental and social regulations.
Complaint: non-compliance of the European Investment Bank’s Transparency Policy with EU and international law
February 16, 2016
This complaint, filed by Bankwatch, Client Earth and Counter Balance with the European Investment Bank’s complaint mechanism, addresses non-compliance of the European Investment Bank’s Transparency Policy with EU and international law on access to information.
EFSI case study: Integrated clean energy project ‘third industrial revolution’ in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
February 12, 2016
The so-called European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) should unlock additional investment of at least EUR 315 bn over a three year period (2015-2018). One of the projects benefiting from the loans is the intended “third industrial revolution” in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, which incorporates numerous smaller projects all working for the same goal: A zero carbon energy system for the entire region. The particular financing mix could potentially serve as a good example for an investment platform under EFSI.
Oyu Tolgoi Phase 2: Plans, Issues and Risks
February 11, 2016
This report summarises the mining activity proposed by Oyu Tolgoi in its Phase 2 development plan, describes the block caving underground mining technology planned for the large deep ore body to be mined in Phase 2, environmental impacts and reclamation potential of block cave mines, and issues and risks associated with future OT power supply, international metal market price uncertainties, and OT Phase 1 and 2 impacts on water resources and herders and their livelihood in the region surrounding the OT mine license area.
Nenskra hydropower plant, Georgia
February 2, 2016
For the last decade, the government of Georgia has promoted hydropower as a way of tackling energy security and turning the country into a regional energy player. The EBRD has been one of the key catalysts of this hydro boom. Yet the presence of the EBRD and other international financial institutions has not been enough to ensure the development of comprehensive energy strategies, robust project assessments and meaningful public consultations. The potential for social and environmental problems is therefore prevalent. The Nenskra hydropower plant is yet another project that lacks the proper assessment and has failed to gain acceptance from the local communities.
Problematic expansion of agribusiness giant MHP in Ukraine with EBRD support
February 1, 2016
Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC, also known as MHP, is a long-term client of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Following loands in 2013 and 2010, the EBRD approved a USD 85 million loan on 28 October 2015 to support MHP’s agricultural working capital needs. While the agricultural sector is widely viewed as one of the engines of the Ukrainian economy, MHP’s operations are having a range of negative impacts on local communities.
