PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech environment ministry has picked Norwegian firm DNV to assess expansion plans at a coal-fired power plant which has raised objections from the tiny Pacific nation of Micronesia.
In December, the Federated States of Micronesia challenged Czech utility CEZ's plans to extend the life of three blocks at its Prunerov plant, while raising their output and effectiveness. Overall capacity at the plant would drop with the closure of two remaining units.
The Pacific nation, a chain of more than 600 islands, argued Prunerov's carbon emissions threaten its future due to possible flooding related to climate change.
The plant's expansion has also raised concerns of Czech environmentalists. The environment ministry said last month it wanted an independent, international assessment of CEZ's plans to free the project from political and economic pressures.
The ministry has not said when the impact study should be finished.
(Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Keiron Henderson)
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