The Czech Republic experienced remarkable solar power expansion in 2023, with the country adding approximately 970 MW of new photovoltaic capacity to its grid. This represents a substantial increase comparable to adding the equivalent of a nuclear reactor unit, highlighting the significant momentum in the renewable energy sector.

The growth demonstrates the Czech Republic's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio, particularly as the country works toward its goal of phasing out coal-fired power generation by 2033. This solar boom has been driven by improved supply chain conditions compared to 2022, when installations were constrained by global component shortages.

ČEZ's Strategic Focus on Photovoltaics

ČEZ, the Czech Republic's largest energy company, has dramatically expanded its solar energy ambitions as part of its transformation from fossil fuels to low-emission energy sources. The company currently has over 5 GW of photovoltaic projects in various stages of development, marking a significant escalation in renewable energy commitment.

Massive Development Pipeline

"We currently have over 5 GW of photovoltaic projects in our portfolio, which are in various stages of development," stated Petr Zelenka, director of ČEZ's Renewable Energy Sources unit. As building permits are being finalized, the company is approaching the actual construction phase of these projects.

The construction of planned photovoltaic parks is primarily targeted for completion by 2030, though ČEZ expects continued development beyond that timeframe. The company's vision is to build as much capacity as possible under economically favorable conditions, with financing support from the Modernization Fund for these billion-crown projects.

Current Operations and Near-Term Projects

After a 15-year hiatus following the previous photovoltaic boom, ČEZ launched a new era of renewable energy sources three years ago. Since then, the company has commissioned nine new photovoltaic power plants with a total installed capacity of 52 MWp. An additional fourteen plants with a combined capacity of 213 MWp are currently under construction or nearing completion.

"We currently operate a portfolio of 178 MWp in photovoltaic power plants and 8 MW in wind power," confirmed ČEZ spokesperson Barbora Peterová. The highest concentration of solar plants in the Ústí nad Labem region will be built in the coming years around the Tušimice, Prunéřov, and Ledvice power plants.

Strategic Location Selection

ČEZ strategically places its photovoltaic installations on lower-quality land unsuitable for intensive agriculture, often utilizing brownfield sites. These locations, while more challenging due to potential contamination from past industrial activities or requiring demolition of existing structures, offer unique advantages.

Particularly suitable are revitalized areas after coal mining, such as the Tušimice and Prunéřov locations. "These sites are ideal for us because energy infrastructure is already built there," explained Zelenka. This eliminates the need to construct new and financially costly distribution or transmission networks.

The Tušimice and Prunéřov Megaproject

The two giant photovoltaic power plants at Tušimice and Prunéřov will have a combined maximum installed capacity of 700 MWp, making them ČEZ's largest renewable energy project. Together, they will cover approximately 1.1 square kilometers, though in practice they will consist of several smaller installations connected to a single grid connection point. The facilities will be commissioned gradually, with construction beginning at the turn of 2025 and 2026.

Sustainability and End-of-Life Planning

ČEZ has committed to environmental responsibility throughout the project lifecycle. After the 30-year lifespan of the power plants, the company is obligated to restore the land to its original state, allowing for subsequent agricultural use. The disposal of decommissioned photovoltaic panels will be handled by ČEZ through its collective system, ČEZ Recyklace.

Development Timeline and Community Engagement

While the actual construction of a photovoltaic power plant takes only six to ten months, with commissioning completed within about a year, the development process is much more complex. The entire development phase typically takes around three years, involving land acquisition, grid connection arrangements, territorial planning changes, and extensive negotiations with municipalities.

Community engagement is a crucial component of ČEZ's approach. The company actively participates in municipal meetings, explaining project benefits and impacts while addressing common misconceptions, such as concerns about negative effects on local communities or significant temperature differences.

Czech Republic's Energy Mix: Current Composition

The Czech Republic's energy landscape remains dominated by fossil fuels and nuclear power, though renewable sources are gradually increasing their share. According to recent data, the country's electricity generation mix consists of:

Primary Energy Sources (2024):

• Nuclear power: 40.95% - The cornerstone of Czech electricity generation
• Fossil fuels: 53.60% (total)
• Coal (primarily lignite): 47.50% - The largest single source
• Natural gas: 5.86%
• Other fossil fuels: Small percentages
• Renewable energy: 5.46% (total)
• Biomass: 3.34%
• Solar: 1.47%
• Hydropower: 0.63%
• Other renewables: Small percentages

Future Energy Strategy

The Czech Republic has established ambitious targets for its energy transition. The government aims to phase out coal completely by 2033 while significantly expanding both nuclear and renewable energy capacity. According to the National Energy Plan, nuclear power is expected to constitute 44% of electricity generation by 2030, rising to 68% once new reactors are commissioned.

Renewable energy sources are also set to play an increasingly important role, with the government targeting a renewable energy share of approximately 22% by 2030. Solar energy, in particular, is expected to be a key contributor to this growth, supported by both utility-scale installations and distributed rooftop systems.

Conclusion

The Czech Republic's solar power expansion represents a crucial component of the country's broader energy transition strategy. With nearly 1 GW of new solar capacity added in 2023 and major energy companies like ČEZ investing heavily in photovoltaic infrastructure, the country is positioning itself to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining energy security through a balanced mix of nuclear and renewable sources.

The current energy mix, while still heavily reliant on coal and nuclear power, is evolving toward a more sustainable configuration that aligns with European Union climate goals and the country's own environmental commitments. The success of this transition will depend on continued investment in renewable infrastructure, grid modernization, and the timely completion of planned nuclear capacity expansions.

Zdroj:www.idnes.cz

Zpracoval kolektiv zahraniční kanceláře CzechTrade Maďarsko