GOVERNMENT FOR, CIVIL SOCIETY AGAINST BUILDING A NEW POWER PLANT IN KOSOVO

Representatives of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP), opposition political parties and civil society gathered at ATRC to discuss the government’s plans to build a new power plant in the municipality of Kastriot, Kosovo. The public discussion, organized by ATRC on Jan. 19, asked, “The new thermal power plant Kosovo C - economic development or environmental pollution?”

Agron Dida Deputy Minister of MEM, Flora Durmishi
moderator and Ardian Gjini Minister of MESP during debate.

When the government became involved in building the new thermo power plant in 2006, it received criticism, especially from environmentalists.
Government representatives present at the ATRC discussion, Ardian Gjini - Minister of MESP and Agron Dida - Deputy Minister of MEM, said the project was essential for economic development in Kosovo. Minister Gjini also argued that the modern thermal power plant would decrease air pollution.

Representatives from the opposition parties and civil society expressed their skepticism. They argued that the plant is an old project from the 1970s and that it would have a severe negative impact on the environment.

The Municipality of Kastriot is already one of the most polluted areas in the region, according to Nazif Shala, an official for environmental issues in this municipality.

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“The level of air pollution in the Municipality of Kastriot is 400 times higher than EU standards allow,” Nazif Shala said.