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Sustainability criteria for hydropower development

Briefing | 28 August, 2013 | Download PDF

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.

Kyrgyzstan and the conflict over natural resources

Study | 29 July, 2013 | Download PDF

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country rich in water and natural resources. The country is one of 2000 priority ecological regions of the planet with unique ecosystems and biodiversity and is considered the “water tower” of Central Asia due to its Tien Shan glacier reserves. The management of Kyrgyzstan’s natural resources is crucial to the future sustainability of the country. However in a region where poverty is widespread, the primacy placed on economic development seriously threats sustainability.

Comments on the EBRD’s draft country strategy for Georgia

Policy comments | 25 July, 2013 | Download PDF

Policy briefing: New draft energy (read oil, gas and coal) strategy at the EBRD

Briefing | 24 July, 2013 | Download PDF

The EBRD’s draft energy strategy doesn’t have a climate target. It recognizes the urgency of climate action and the fact that the energy sector is the largest greenhouse gas emitter and places energy efficiency and renewable energy at the core of the transition to low carbon economies. The low carbon transition appears to be a central theme of the draft strategy but when it comes to the fossil fuels sector, it only translates into a potential slight reduction in coal investments.

Open letter to EIB: Improvements for energy policy draft

Advocacy letter | 19 July, 2013 | Download PDF

The letter, signed by nine NGOs, think tanks and an asset management company, acknowledges the positive step the European Investment Bank has taken with its draft policy “EIB and Energy: Delivering Growth, Security and Sustainability” but also suggests a number of elements that need to be tightened to make the EIB’s energy lending policy policy fit for purpose in reducing risks of high-carbon lock-in for the EU electricity system.