Financial alchemy in Slovenia’s energy sector still results in lignite, not gold
December 11, 2012
Even with the latest investment plan for unit 6 at the Sostanj lignite power plant (TES 6), the project’s economics are (surprise, surprise) still distinctly shaky as an independent analysis shows. Nonetheless, the project looks ever more likely to get a state guarantee from the Slovene government.
If we’re not having one, then neither are you: time to grow up?
November 15, 2012
What a week in the fight for clean British energy: scandal erupted when Conservative Party members were exposed colluding with James Delinpole, in his obsessive efforts to wipe wind-farms off the map, and Ed Davey’s statement in the Commons yesterday about energy companies fixing gas prices demonstrated once again the urgent need to overhaul our energy system. Not only are elements of this government trying to undermine a green future here in the UK, they are also threatening green hopes in Ukraine. Among all the energy market mayhem, you’d be forgiven for missing it, but in addition to messing up our own clean energy karma, the UK may actually back a huge European loan for the Ukrainian nuclear power sector. http://www.foe.co.uk/blog/nuclear_energy_uk_ukraine_38000.html
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’.
Money lost, safety postponed: On the mismanagement in Ukraine’s energy sector
August 23, 2012
A recent audit showed that Ukraine lacks good management at least as much as finances to reform its energy sector. EU money is meanwhile siding with a tainted company.
Allegations of corruption in Slovenia and across the EU
August 9, 2012
Despite fines and alleged scandals, questionable companies win new contracts every day and posts impressive profits – claims campaign group
Don’t let facts get in the way of a good EBRD Roma headline
July 26, 2012
The EBRD’s claims it has helped turn Serbia into a “role model for social inclusion of Roma” ring hollow in light of the plethora of abuses of Romas’ rights in other cases in Serbia.
Improving safety?
July 2, 2012
Ukraine is hoping to receive European loans worth EUR 800 million to help finance safety improvements at its NPPs.
Between the headlines: EBRD expansion demands policy-driven approach
June 14, 2012
With the European Parliament’s ratification of the expansion of EBRD operations to north Africa the question arises again: Is the bank fit for this purpose? The Parliament’s answer sounds like a resounding ‘maybe’.
The EBRD should listen (better) to civil society in Arab Spring countries
May 22, 2012
In preparation to its extended lending to Arab Spring countries, the EBRD is conducting consultations with civil society. Yet the bank doesn’t seem to make an appropriate effort.
Tug of War: Fossil fuels versus green energy at the EBRD
May 17, 2012
Our study shows that almost half of the 6.7 billion euros lent by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) between 2006-2011 goes to support for fossil fuels. This will prevent the bank’s commendable efforts to increase lending to new renewables and energy efficiency from actually making a difference in the global fight against climate change.
