Williams, D. (2016, August 15). World Bank considers financing of Kosovan coal-fired power plant. Retrieved August 28, 2016, from http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2016/08/world-bank-considers-financing-of-kosov an-coal-fired-power-plant.html
This article mainly discusses the debate of whether to implement a coal-powered plant in Kosovo. Their government says the plant is essential to the territory’s energy security. This plant is aimed at alleviating energy consumption in public buildings and demonstrating economic viability of energy investments. In order to approve the investment towards the power plant, requiring to meet all relevant environmental, social, and technical analysis.
I believe that implementing a power plant in Kosovo is not a good idea because of the amount of pollution it may induce on the world. This is an environmental issue because some people build useless power plants for their own financial benefit. This one in particular is aimed to reduce energy consumption and demand within the main population, however that can backfire because of the environmental pollution it can cause. Yes, it can save energy, but everything these days comes at a cost with a certain consequence. This plant, in my opinion, is just not worth the kind of damage it can do to our atmosphere.
Tyler- My question is how does Kosovo connect to CA? (See your title). I wonder if Kosovo is sitting on a bunch of coal- did the article say anything about that? Or other options. I partially agree with your sentiments, but do you really think people would put in lots of money to make a “useless” power plant? Hopefully if they go with this dirtier fuel choice they can apply top technology and clean up as best they can… because that is the link to CA- the air pollution, which I know you know. I hope you enjoyed your topic this year and you feel like you have a more informed position on something you’ll continue to see in the news way beyond this class.
It’s unfortunate but telling that a large portion of the world still turns to coal and other environmentally harmful methods of energy production. I think many simply lack an understanding of the serious consequences, as well as all of the other energy production methods out there that would be more mindful choices (windmills, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear). How do you think one could convince or incentivize Kosovo to turn to an alternative method?