Opposition: Malinec Pumped Storage Plant Suits Needs of Hungarian Government

Bratislava, 12 January (TASR) - The Malinec-Latky pumped storage power plant, which could be built in the Podpolanie area (Banska Bystrica region), suits the needs of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP Tamara Stohlova and Michal Kica from the extra-parliamentary Democrats party told a press conference on Monday. Stohlova stated that Orban's government wants and needs the pumped storage plant, as Hungary is building huge solar parks and requires the capacity to store energy produced on sunny days. At the same time, she noted that Hungary lacks the suitable geographical conditions and societal support to build its own pumped storage facilities. "Both opposition and pro-government media in Hungary are openly reporting about the possibility of a joint project, specifically naming the Malinec-Latky pumped-storage power plant. Slovakia's power utility Slovenske elektrarne (SE) has confirmed foreign interest in electricity from the plant, and the head of the Office for the Regulation of Network Industries (URSO) has directly specified Hungary's interest," said Stohlova. According to her, there are also reports suggesting that the two governments are negotiating this option in connection with concluding the debate on the unfinished Gabcikovo-Nagymaros waterworks. In this context, Kica added that Slovakia doesn't need such a hydroelectric plant on the Ipel River, while there are no studies or documents accompanying the project. He said that they don't oppose cooperation in terms of energy infrastructure, but they do insist that it must be transparent and beneficial for both sides. "We have nothing against strengthening the stability of the energy network or cooperating with Hungary, but it can't be done under a veil of secrecy," remarked Kica. According to a proposal submitted for interdepartmental review, the Environment Ministry claims that the Malinec-Latky pumped storage power plant should be given important investment status, citing objective and critical time pressure as the reason. jrg/df