PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Czech Republic's Environment Ministry has approved a proposal by Czech Power Plants (CEZ) to build a $1.14 billion power plant in Pocerady.
CTK subsidiary Neris news agency reported Thursday that the Environment Ministry determined that the facility, to be built 10 miles northwest of Louny in northern Bohemia, will not negatively impact the environment. Accordingly, CEZ can now begin applying for a building permit.
The proposal is not without its critics, as Ustecky region authorities are opposed to the proposed energy facility, as are environmentalists, who fear that the power plant could raise the amount of pollutants emitted in the region. Ustecky Deputy Regional Gov. Arno Fisera said, "We want CEZ to close down another power station in the region before it launches the (new) units into operation."
CEZ has subcontracted construction of the 821-megawatt facility, which will begin supplying electricity to the grid in 2013, to the Skoda Praha Invest firm.
