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[Campaign update] Impact Assessment of Serbian Kostolac B3 coal plant nullified, two investigative reports published
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Bankwatch has reported time and again about controversies in the Serbian coal sector. While the Kolubara lignite mine has been the most visible in the past, Chinese-backed plans for a new unit at the Kostolac lignite power plant have increasingly come under scrutiny for a possible breach of state-aid rules and undemocratic decision-making over a loan agreement with the China Export-Import Bank among others.
The most recent confirmation of the government’s preference for murky waters is a court decision from June nullifying the Environmental Impact Assessment for failing to inform and consult neighbouring Romania about the potential transboundary impacts of the Kostolac B3 lignite unit – an obligation that is part of the international Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention).
In the end of July, the Serbian Center for Investigative Journalism (CINS) took a close look at the Kostolac B3 lignite power plant. The two resulting articles offer an overview of the range of issues surrounding the project. See them here:
Kostolac: Chinese loan, Serb rule-breaking - July 21
Serbia promisses clean, while investing into dirty energy - July 22
More materials about Balkan Coal investments
Tags: China ExIm Bank CINS CMEC coal Environmental Impact Assessment Espoo Convention Kostolac state-aid Balkans
Institution: Chinese investors
Theme: Energy & climate
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