Comparative assessment of development risks in lignite basins of Danube region in Serbia

Abstract

The paper identifies the global factors of development risks in the lignite basins of the Danube region in Serbia, whose effects are enhanced due to the global economic crisis. Paper presents comparative assessment of development risks in the Kolubara and Kostolac lignite basins, by application of the comprehensive development framework approach, SSIA (Strategic Spatial Impact Assessment) and Spyder method. Increasing risks and dynamics of market and regulatory changes (especially acceptance of the Kyoto Protocol and other mechanisms), as well as the renewal of interest in the recovery of coal sector indicates an increasing pressure on the transformation of the mining and thermo-energy sector: structural, property-management, socio-economic, technical, institutional, environmental and territorial aspects. Paper argues that management of development risks in basins has an essential role in increasing competitiveness and sustainable development of the Danube region in Serbia.