Comments on EBRD’s draft energy strategy
September 24, 2013
Bankwatch’s detailed comments on the draft energy sector strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction suggests the introduction of an emissions performance standard at the level of 350 gCO2/kWh for the bank’s fossil fuel lending. It also contains comments on other energy sources, carbon markets, energy systems, carbon capture and storage, nuclear safety, and in an additional annex it lays out sustainability criteria for hydropower development.
Summary of Bankwatch’s comments on EBRD’s draft energy strategy
September 24, 2013
In our full comments on the draft energy sector strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction Bankwatch suggests the introduction of an emissions performance standard at the level of 350 gCO2/kWh for the bank’s fossil fuel lending. This document summarises the most important points made and a collection of most recommendations.
A message to EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti
September 13, 2013
In an open letter sent today to the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 54 civil society organisations follow up from last weeks consultations on the bank’s new energy sector strategy and ask the president to ensure that the EBRD addresses the challenges of climate change with the urgency it deserves. We reproduce the letter’s content here.
EBRD gives up Kolubara B lignite power plant project in Serbia
September 9, 2013
Subotica, Serbia — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed Friday September 6 that it is no longer interested in financing the 750 MW Kolubara B lignite power plant project near Belgrade in Serbia. The project is proposed by Serbian electricity company Elektroprivreda Srbija, with Italy’s Edison as a strategic partner.
Energy consultations reveal lack of strategic thinking at the EBRD
September 6, 2013
With another public action, colleagues in Moscow are today bringing to a close a week that has seen the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development having to listen to a lot of uncomfortable truths.
Nordic countries ‘no’ to coal is a glimmer of hope for EBRD energy lending
September 5, 2013
The global campaign to make the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development restrict its coal lending may have found new allies in Nordic countries after their declaration yesterday to seize overseas coal investments.
Thousands remind the EBRD that coal is not an option
September 4, 2013
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development received a little surprise visit this week from 16 000 voices against coal.
Pressure builds on EBRD to quit coal lending
September 4, 2013
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lags behind other major international financial institutions that are moving away from supporting dirty energy projects.
Reality, climate change and global attention is catching up on the ‘sustainable energy’ bank (EBRD)
August 28, 2013
As part of the consultation on its energy sector strategy the EBRD next week hosts public meetings in Istanbul, Belgrade and Moscow to discuss with civil society from its countries of operation. While public pressure is increasing to end coal financing it is important to note that restrictions to carbon-intensive investments must be strictly and clearly defined in the strategy document if they are to improve the EBRD’s climate impact. An article from Bankwatch’s 2012 annual report (pdf) illustrates how a too flexible approach allows the EBRD to greenwash also very dirty investments.
The EIB finally limits coal lending
August 1, 2013
For the last couple of years, we have been calling on the European Investment Bank to drop coal lending. Finally, we’re starting to see some results.
