The Shuakhevi hydropower plant project, Georgia
May 2, 2014
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a loan of up to USD 86.5 million for Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL), a subsidiary of the Norwegian Clean Energy Invest for the construction of the 185 MW Shuakhevi hydropower plant (HPP). The project involves the construction of two dams and three diversion tunnels. Bankwatch member group Green Alternative has concerns about the possible negative impacts of the Shuakhevi HPP and the overall justification for the project, both explained in this briefing.
Dariali hydropower plant project, Georgia
May 2, 2014
The Georgian company JSC Dariali Energy has requested a loan of up to USD 80 million from the EBRD for the 108 MW Dariali hydropower (HPP) project. The project involves the construction of a derivation-type HPP on the Tergi river in the municipality of Kazbegi. The project will divert water from the town of Stepatsminda towards the powerhouse close to the border with Russia, leaving eight kilometres of river without a sufficient amount of water.
Mainstreaming sustainable development – Policy info-kit for EU funds programming
April 30, 2014
During the Cohesion Policy programming process, we have observed that environmental sustainability is not being appropriately included in the Operational Programmes and Partnership Agreements. This info-kit for those involved in the programming therefore offers suggestions for environmental and climate mainstreaming measures.
Unlocking accountability: Complaint mechanisms at the international financial institutions
April 15, 2014
This leaflet provides guidance for people affected by the projects and programmes of international financial institutions. It explains in brief how the safeguard policies of the World Bank group, the EBRD and the EIB function and how to address the banks’ complaint mechanisms. The leaflet is also available in: Russian (pdf)
The EBRD’s newly proposed Environmental and Social Policy – from bad to worse
April 11, 2014
Bankwatch Mail 58
April 10, 2014
Содержание Чьи интересы отстаивает Энергетическое сообщество? Договор нуждается в срочном улучшении Договор об Энергетическом сообществе, подписанный при поддержке ЕС в 2005 году и сторонами которого являются страны западной части Балканского полуостро
Recommendation from the European Investment Bank to the European Commission on the subject of a possible EURATOM loan for the Nuclear Safety Upgrade project in Ukraine (censored version)
April 2, 2014
Commissioned by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank assessed the feasibility of a Euratom loan to Ukraine’s state-nuclear energy operator Energoatom. This censored version of the document was made available on request.
The Energy Community’s decision to implement Chapter III of the EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive and its implications for new coal power plants in the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine
April 2, 2014
Due to the Energy Community Ministerial Council’s decision to apply the EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive, new combustion plants in the Energy Community countries have to be planned with the IED taken into consideration. Currently, there are a number of investments in new combustion plants in progress which would not comply with the new requirements if they are realised as planned. It follows, that these combustion plants would be in breach of the acquis on environment after 1 January 2018, in other words by the time they start operation.
Environmental and social impacts of the Khudoni hydropower project in Georgia
March 31, 2014
The report summarises the findings from a fact-finding mission to villages in the Svaneti region of northwestern Georgia that will be impacted by the Khudoni hydropower project. During the visit 250 people were interviewed, of which around 160 were women.
Mobilisation of public-private financing for community based sustainable energy projects – POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
March 23, 2014
These policy recommendations propose mechanisms for the mobilisation of public-private financing for community based sustainable energy projects in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Latvia and Slovakia.