Tokaj protests against vast Slovakian power plant

Winemakers and politicians in Tokaj are united in condemnation of a proposal to site a huge power station near the celebrated wine region.

The Hungarian government is determined to put a stop to the 885-megawatt power plant – which is planned for the village of Trebisov, across the border in Slovakia to the north. If plans are approved this would be Slovakia’s largest coal-fired power station.

Campaigns against the power plant have already been mounted, particularly in the Hungarian town of Satoraljaujhely, where mayor Peter Szamosvolgy is lobbying the government with some success.

Last week the Hungarian environment ministry informed the Slovakian government that it wished to vet the construction of the plant before it is issued with a licence.

Environmental groups are concerned not only for the chemical effect on the soil but an effect on the local climate. The distinctive flavour of the wines ofTokaj – some of the most sought-after sweet wines in the world – owes much to the climate of the region.

It is claimed the power station will produce an estimated four million tonnes of pollutants a year.

Written by Sam Spencer