IFIs EIB-EBRD-IFC-KfW financing HPPs in South East Europe against environment impact rules
December 16, 2015
Construction of HPPs in South East Europe countries seems to be very attractive for international banks and lenders like EIB-EBRD-IFC-KfW. Austrian companies and banks seems to be very interested in financing risky and non environment friendly projects in the region. Standards which are applied in EU does not seems to be a rule for international financiers. Latest Euronatur&Riverwatch report on HPPs financing in SEE reveals the investors interest in projects described as environment risky.
Prąd z wody straszy Gruzinów. Chcą zatapiać całe wsie
December 16, 2015
– Gdy budowali elektrownię, w ogóle nie było mowy o żadnym zagrożeniu. Nawet nam nie tłumaczyli, na jakiej zasadzie będzie ona działać. Dopiero teraz dowiadujemy się o niebezpieczeństwie – tłumaczy Eteri.
Improvements needed in transparency and environmental soundness of EBRD-financed hydropower facilities
December 15, 2015
In light of the worrying findings of a study on hydropower projects in southeast Europe – most notably the high number of projects in protected areas – this letter asks the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to better implement its environmental and social policy and hydropower sustainability criteria, establish no-go zones in protected areas and rivers of outstanding quality, and disclose project information about projects with a clear environmental impact which are financed through financial intermediaries.
Infographics: Pristine Balkan rivers threatened by European “green energy” funding for hydropower
December 14, 2015
A wave of hydropower development fuelled by European public funding and EU companies is endangering pristine river environments in the Balkans.
Study: Development Banks Financing HPP Projects at Protected Sites in Balkans
December 14, 2015
A wave of hydropower development fuelled by European public funding and EU companies is endangering pristine river environments in the Balkans, finds a new study released last Friday by the Central and Eastern European (CEE) Bankwatch Network.
Major banks put up nearly €1bn for controversial Balkan dams, says report
December 11, 2015
Multilateral development banks are funding a roll out of hydropower projects in national parks, world heritage sites and conservation zones across the Balkans International banks have ploughed hundreds of millions of euros into a wave of hydropower pro
New Bankwatch study: European “green energy” funding for hydropower threatens pristine Balkan rivers
December 11, 2015
Radolfzell, Vienna, Prague – A wave of hydropower development fuelled by European public funding and EU companies is endangering pristine river environments in the Balkans, finds a new study by CEE Bankwatch Network released today.
Major banks put up nearly €1bn for controversial Balkan dams, says report
December 11, 2015
Multilateral development banks are funding a roll out of hydropower projects in national parks, world heritage sites and conservation zones across the Balkans International banks have ploughed hundreds of millions of euros into a wave of hydropower projects sweeping across many pristine national parks and environmentally-protected regions in the Balkans, according to a new report.
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in southeast Europe
December 11, 2015
Southeast Europe is experiencing a wave of hydropower projects. In a region with a deadly combination of Europe’s last wild rivers, rampant corruption and inadequate nature protection, the potential for damage is immense. In order to address this issue, we need to know who is making it happen. This research aims – to the extent possible given the secrecy around the financial sector – to find out who are the main actors involved in financing hydropower projects in the region, both overall and inside of protected areas. Update January 2017 The EBRD has said that financing has been cancelled for four small hydropower plants in Macedonia: Zrnovska reka 1, Zrnovska reka 2, Estericka reka, Kadina reka. In addition, financing has been cancelled for the 68 MW Boskov Most plant in the Mavrovo National Park, also in Macedonia. Regarding the Ternove SHPP in Albania, the EBRD has said that it had conducted an on-site investigation into the concerns received in a letter from an affected citizen. The bank found nothing to substantiate the allegations. Bankwatch will continue to monitor the issue.
Bern Convention Committee to decide fate of Balkan lynx and Boskov Most hydropower plant in Macedonia
November 30, 2015
The critically endangered population of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) may be getting a new lease on life this week after being threatened by planned hydropower constructions in its core area of reproduction.
