On Thursday, 14th February 2013, the Voivodeship Administrative Court in Gdańsk (Poland), made a ruling that amounts to a major success for local farmers when it held up the construction of one of the biggest hard coal power plants in Europe.

The station is projected to begin operating in 2018. The estimated cost of construction is 3 billion Euro.

The court revoked a decision which would have allowed works to start on February 14th, after it heard concerns voiced by several ecological organizations and local residents. Building permits for the plant, Elektrownia Północ, have been suspended at least until a new final administrative decision is issued or until the recent judgment is revoked by an appeal.

Obtaining construction permits for a power plant of this size and complexity can take even several years. While the judgment in this case is not yet final, it is a serious victory for the protesters as it now gives them a second chance to present the environmental issues and problems that would result from the construction of this new plant.
The planned power station is one of the flagship project of Kulczyk Investment, one of Poland’s main holdings owned by Jan Kulczyk, a prominent business mogul and the richest man in Poland. As a result of the court judgment Mr Kulczyk’s plans now faces serious delays at the very least.

Kulczyk Investment has faced a further set back in recent days as Polimeks Mostostal, one of the potential builders of the power plant, has withdrawn its offer to be in charge of the project.

Olga Sypuła, one of the local activists involved in the process who has been fighting the project of the last year said: “This is a victory for local people. Like David when he fought Goliath, local farmers with very few means have stood up against one of Poland’s most powerful companies and won.” Activists and farmers are aware the decision is not final and will continue their fight against the local administration and in the courts.

For further information please contact:

Olga Sypuła
E-mail: olga@pracownia.org.pl
Tel. (+48) 698 139 688