Environment Ministry approves controversial renovation of Prunéřov power plant

The Czech Environment ministry approved on Thursday a controversial plan to renovate the ČEZ-owned coal power plant in Prunéřov, northern Bohemia. Minister Ruth Bízková told reporters the project complied with all requirements related to air quality protection in the region. The 25 billion crown, or 1.3 billion US dollar project has been opposed by environmentalists who demanded the ČEZ power producer use the best available technology in the renovation, contrary to the approved project. Green Party leader Ondřej Liška said the project was a victory of the power giant ČEZ over the environment and people’s health. The previous environment minister, Jan Dusík, stepped down over the issue last month. Mr Dusík was going to ask ČEZ to prepare another project that would use the best technology but Prime Minister Jan Fischer insisted the environment ministry approve the project in its current form. Mr Dusík refused to do so and resigned.