Lukovo pole hydro power project, hereinafter referred to as the project, is a plan to construct a 20 km channel, 70 m high dam and a small hydro power project on Črn Kamen River with installed capacity of 5 MW downstream of Lukovo pole.[1] It is situated in the Mavrovo National Park where there is a strong opposition to any unnecessary interferences with the unspoiled nature.[2][3][4]
General information
The proposed project is located in Northwest Macedonia in Korab mountain range at an altitude of 1500 meters. The plan envisage the construction of about 20 km long covered feeder channel[1] that will serve to divert the water from several tributaries to the Radika river, which will then be channeled to the reservoir through a pipe system[4] providing additional inflow to existing hydro power plants.[1] The reservoir will be supported by 71 meter high dam at Lukovo pole that will have a storage capacity of about 39 million cubic meters. The slopes of the reservoir have moderate to low steepness and show no signs of instabilities. Approximately 3.5 km downhill from the dam,[2] a small hydro power plant will be constructed with the installed capacity of 5 MW. The preliminary design envisages two Francis turbines each with installed capacity of 2.5 MW.[1]
Ownership and financing
Elektrani Na Makedonija (ELEM), the state-owned power generation company will implement the project.[1] The company was formed in 2005 and it currently carries out mining operations in four coal mines and operates 1,329 MW of power generating capacity, of which 60% is lignite-fired and 40% hydropower.[5]
The total project cost is estimated to be USD 83 million while World Bank is considering landing USD 70 million.[6]
Controversial issues
The Mavrovo National Park is an area with diverse fauna and flora and a relatively untouched landscape. Project site area has been identified as a potential World Heritage site by an international expert delegation. It is characterized by the richest and most beautiful parts of the national park in terms of plant biodiversity which represent valuable site for the specialists amongst Europe´s plant species.[4] According to PlantLife, the project would affect 17 threatened plant species, like the endemic fritillary Fritillaria macedonica and Narthecium scardicum.[7] In order to facilitate the project implementation the area specifically intended for the project construction was downgraded from a strictly prohibited area to an area with sustainable use, which is the lowest level of protection allowing construction.[2]
Preliminary assessments of the project indicates that the proposed project would have limited impact on the amount of water diverted from the Radika River.[1] However, NGOs warn that the loss of water do represent a problem since the Mavrovo National Park already now does not allow for the biological minimum of water in streams. Any new developments will make matters even worse.[3]
The project will require an extensive hydrological engineering in a high-altitude valley with unfavorable geological conditions including landslides, unsteady sides, leaking materials and permanent presence of water. Therefore a substantial adjustments will be needed in order to successfully complete the construction. A massive construction of the canal and service roads might cause substantial disturbance to Balkan lynx, a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx.[3]
The project is also in breach of pertinent international law. It violates the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Bonn convention and Convention on Biological diversity which are all ratified by the Republic of Macedonia.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Integrated safeguards data sheet concept stage - Lukovo Pole Water Regulation and Renewable Energy Project. Issued 24 July 2011. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ a b c d Information on Lukovo pole. Ekostav. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ a b c Hlobil, Petr. Hydro power plants endanger the Balkan lynx in Macedonia. CEE Bankwatch, 5 June 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ a b c The Mavrovo National Park, Macedonia - Dam construction plans put national park at risk!. Riverwatch. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ "Project summary - Boskov Most hydro power project".
- ^ Information on Lukovo Pole Water Regulation and Renewable Energy Project. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- ^ "Dam construction plans put national park at risk". Save the blue heart of Europe. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
External links
- Integrated safeguards data sheet concept stage - Lukovo Pole Water Regulation and Renewable Energy Project.
- Hydro power plants endanger the Balkan lynx in Macedonia.
- Information on Lukovo pole.
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