Kosovo Energy Experts Say New Power Plant to Affect Environment, Agriculture

Text of report in English by Pristina-based independent internet news agency KosovaLive

["Energy Experts Oppose Kosova C Project" -- KosovaLive headline]

Prishtina [Pristina], 28 Mar (KosovaLive) — Kosova [Kosovo] experts of energy and environment recommended today to the Kosova Government to delay the announced date for the construction of the Kosova C power plant in order give more time to the study of the positive and negative effects of this project.

This was announced during a round table on the topic, “Programs for New Capacities in Energy Sector — Influence on Environment and involvement of Citizens in Decision-Making” which was organized by the organization for democracy, anticorruption, and dignity, Rise.

The experts of the energy consider that the project Kosova C — 2,100 megawatts will worsen the environment situation, it will cause development conflicts between energy, agriculture, and urban and rural development, and that unfavourable social-demographic movements will emerge for further developments of the Kosovar society.

Energy expert Luan Shllaku said that all studies done until now show that the limiting development factor of Kosova will be the lack of water.

He also said that the opening of the surface coalmine of Sibovc and the construction of the Kosova C power plant will reduce the space where the existing locations could be developed.

Energy experts evaluate that the decision for the construction of the Kosova C power plant has been taken before doing economic, social, and ecologic studies in the region where it is planned to be constructed and therefore they recommend to the Kosova Government to delay the date of the construction of this power plant.

Originally published by KosovaLive website, Pristina, in English 28 Mar 08.

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