Deficit of electricity is no longer officially a justification for the construction of the Second block of the Thermal Power Plant (TPP), which can be seen in the final document of the Detailed Spatial Plan (DSP) for a new TE in Pljevlja which the Government adopted at its session held in mid-May. In addition, the Government corrected the data on the actual coal reserves, but the document is still has and manipulative and incomplete data that does not answer the question in whose interest is the construction of the Second block of TE in Pljevlja.
The Government at its session on May 18th of this year issued a decision on the adoption of a DSP for TE Pljevlja, but with planning document has not announced a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the environment, which should show the actual extent of the impact of the new TE not only on the environment but particularly on human health. Public hearing for DSP and SEA was held in May last year, and the Government planning document adopted at the last session, which was held before in its composition were included representatives of the opposition.
Key Government’s argument that the construction of a new Thermal Power Plant is needed for the electricity deficit is now eliminated from the planning document, which is likely to be linked with the sharp criticism by the professional and lay public suggested in this regard. Montenegro for a long time has no problem with the deficit of electricity, especially since the Aluminium Plant Podgorica, as the largest consumer, purchases electricity from the neighbors, rather than from the National Power Company of Montenegro (NPCMNE).
The Government in adopted the DSP as reasons to justify the construction of a new TE continues to include ensuring energy independence of the country, the stability of the energy system and improvement of the supply security to consumers, but as basic reason now adds “to regulate greenhouse gas emissions”. However, it remains unclear how it intends to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, because it is still an open question whether the flue of gases will be through existing or new chimney, or through a cooling tower, a solution which experts do not recommend because of the specific climate in Pljevlja alley.
In addition, data on the actual coal reserves in Pljevlja basin were corrected, and instead of the previous 164 million tons of reserves now is stated 84 million tons. However, and this data is manipulated, as in basic studies that were the basis for the development of DSP was mentioned quantity of 73 million tons, in which was counted economically profitable and non profitable coal reserves.
MANS has previously calculated that the actual cost-effective coal reserves in Pljevlja narrow at around 50 million tones, so when we take into account the work of existing Thermal Power Plants, there is enough coal for 20 years of the new block. This projection is based on the offer of Czech company Skoda Praha, which would build the block of 254 MW, and what is particularly indicative in the adopted DSP is the fact that it opens up the space for the construction of TE with the power 220 to 300 MW, which means that for block of 300 MW would be needed considerably more coal.
In addition, in adopted DSP for the first time is presented an assessment of primary and related investments in the amount of 424 million euros, of which 366 million for the construction of the Second block, 30 million for transport and disposal of ash and slag to landfill Sumani, 13 million for landfill recondition in Maljevac, for investment in Lake Borovica 4.1 million, and the related infrastructure 10.7 million (for transport and energy infrastructure 6.3 million, for landscaping 4.1 million, and 300, 000 for electronic communications).
However, what is particularly striking is that the costs of construction of the Second block are evaluated on the basis of preliminary designs, and in this regard is stated that “the basis of the initial assessment is to obtain the reference size, based on which will be build the future model of financing of construction, which should be verified and corrected through adequate technical and technological documentation”.
In addition, although it is stated that for the purposes of effective work of the new TPP it is needed to connect the coal mine with NPCMNE or existing TPP, in the total investment costs are again nowhere calculated expenses for the opening of new mines, the costs of expropriation and re-cultivation on that basis, or the cost of investment in existing block or costs of carbon dioxide emissions, which all proves that the Government keeps clearly nonsensical approach to this important investment project which may have far-reaching consequences for the environment and citizens.
MANS has previously calculated that the total investment costs for the 40 years of the new block can be estimated at over a billion euros, not counting the cost of health and the environment, which a renowned international organization Greenpeace in 2013 estimated to be 2.5 billion euros.
When it is known that all these costs would be paid by taxpayers of Montenegro, it is very concerning the attitude of the Government which continues its activities in realization of the controversial project, although yet has not yet been made a real cost benefit analysis, which would show whether the project of the construction of the Second block is profitable, or whether electricity produced in the new TPP for 40 years can pay off the entire investment.
MANS
