94 percent against new coal power plant in Croatian local referendum

Labin, Croatia – 94 percent of voters have today rejected the proposed new 500 MW Plomin C coal power plant [1] in a local referendum in Croatia. Residents of five districts of Istria County answered a resounding 'No' to the question "Are you in favour of building the Plomin C power plant to run on coal?"

The referendum follows a similarly successful initiative in the coastal town of Ploce on 25 January this year, in which over 90 percent of voters voted against a proposed coal plant in the town.

"Plomin C is harmful to people's health and the climate, will cost electricity consumers heavily, and will hinder Croatia in switching to a renewable energy-based energy system. The Croatian government and project promoter Hrvatska Electroprivreda (HEP) must respect the will of the local people and stop this project immediately," commented Bernard Ivcic of Zelena akcija/Friends of the Earth Croatia.

"This referendum provides an opportunity to turn around Croatia's energy sector and make our country a leader in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy," he added.

Contacts:

Bernard Ivcic, Zelena akcija/Friends of the Earth Croatia, bernard@zelena-akcija.hr
Mobile: +385 99 314 9138

Pippa Gallop, CEE Bankwatch Network, pippa.gallop@bankwatch.org
Mobile: +385 99 755 9787

Notes for editors:

[1] For more information about Plomin C, see: