10 35. Turning more specifically to the energy sector and lignite-fired power stations, the MFHR states that not only did NAP1 allocate emission allowances (52 198 137 tons of CO2) to Greek power stations in excess of actual emission levels (52 626 207 tons of CO2), which was hardly an incentive to reduce emissions, but also that, despite these built-in savings to the national energy situation, in 2005 the energy sector's contribution to the national emissions balance was negative. The energy sector emitted 1.13% more CO2 than provided for in NAP1 (0.64% for lignite, mainly attributable to the emissions of the Aghios Dimitrios plant) and the plants concerned had to purchase allowances from other plants that really had reduced their emissions. 36. The MFHR considers that the main reason for these poor results is Greece's unambitious and back-pedalling policy in the energy sector. In particular, it refers to slow progress in introducing alternative resources into the energy market. For example, gas is the main alternative resource but the first private gas-fired plant will not be operational until 2007, even though NAP1 provides for the increase in demand for electricity to be covered by gas. B – The Government 37. The Government argues that the continued use of lignite is justified by the general interest since lignite enables the country to maintain its energy independence and offers the entire population access to electricity at a reasonable cost, thus contributing to Greece's economic growth and industrial development at levels comparable to those of other European Union countries. i. Lignite pollution 38. In response to the MFHR's allegations concerning pollution, the Government acknowledges that particulate emission limit values have occasionally been exceeded in Klitos, Kozani and Aghios Dimitrios. 39. However, it firstly maintains that these excess values do not reflect the general situation, where the trend is towards a decline in pollution, particularly of particulates. It argues that the misleading or isolated use of certain data means that the MFHR presents a somewhat biased picture of the general situation. 40. Secondly, the Government considers that where excess values are recorded these cannot be attributed to its own actions. It maintains that it has taken all necessary measures to reduce pollution at the Aghios Dimitrios power plant and that thanks to these measures the situation is significantly better. It has also relocated the village of Klitos. It further argues that these problems cannot be attributed solely to lignite mining but also result from meteorological conditions, other sources of pollution such as road traffic etc., as shown by a number of studies conducted by independent researchers (see below).