The situation regarding coal-fired power plants in the former Yugoslav countries remains critical, with serious environmental and health implications. Despite pollution control regulations enacted six years ago under the Energy Community Treaty, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from these plants have significantly exceeded allowable limits. In 2023, emissions were 5.7 times higher than permitted, a slight increase from the previous year.
Key points:
Major Emission Sources: The TPP Ugljevik in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the largest SO2 emitter, releasing over 97,000 tons. Despite a significant investment in a desulfurization unit that has proven ineffective, emissions remain high.
Other Offenders: TPP Kostolac B in Serbia began reducing SO2 emissions but has since reverted to exceeding limits, now emitting nearly 5.8 times more than allowed. Problems with its desulfurization unit have hindered compliance.
Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides: Particulate matter emissions were nearly 1.75 times higher than allowed, while nitrogen oxide emissions were 1.3 times above limits. Notably, Serbia has now joined Bosnia and Herzegovina in exceeding NOx limits.
Regulatory non-compliance: The deadline for closing older coal plants under the “opt-out” provision expired at the end of 2023, yet all relevant plants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia remain operational.
Legal and Regulatory Actions: The Energy Community Secretariat has initiated three cases against these countries for their non-compliance, but there have been no penalties imposed or actionable plans for compliance or closure.
This ongoing failure to address emissions poses significant risks to public health and the environment in the region. Urgent action is needed to enforce regulations and transition to cleaner energy sources.
