Planned coal power plants in the Western Balkans versus EU pollution standards
Publisher: CEE Bankwatch Network
Volume: 20 pages, pdf
Description:
Most Western Balkan countries1 – with the notable exception of hydropower-dependent Albania – rely heavily on low-grade lignite coal for their electricity supply. Yet their plants are old and polluting, contributing to the health-damaging smog that has increasingly plagued many cities in the region in recent years. Between now and 2023, almost all of these plants need investments to bring them in line with the countries’ commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, or they must be closed. This is clearly an enormous challenge, but if the countries use this opportunity wisely, they could greatly mitigate the impacts by increasing the efficiency of energy use and the proportion of solar and wind energy in their energy mixes.