Czech heat plants are preparing to switch from coal to cleaner energy sources by 2030. The domestic heating industry will need to replace outdated coal-burning technologies with new heat sources and distribution systems to ensure the transition to cleaner energy. The modernization of the domestic heat plants is expected to cost around CZK 180 billion, and the projects will be funded through grants from the modernization fund, with CZK 87.5 billion already available for heat plant operators.

The successful transformation of the domestic heating industry is dependent on the EU’s appropriate legislation and adequate resources to support the modernization of heating energy supply systems. Heat plant operators will also need support for heat generated from renewable sources and combined electricity and heat production facilities. The Heat Plant Association has prepared hundreds of proposals, with approximately half of the planned thermal source modernizations based on natural gas combustion, one-fifth transitioning to biomass, and one-tenth focused on energy recovery from waste.

Heat plant modernizations utilizing heat pumps, electric boilers, biogas, waste heat recovery, and various source and fuel combinations are also planned. Grants for heat plant projects worth more than CZK 40 billion have already been approved. For example, energy company ČEZ plans to invest between CZK 30-40 billion in modernizing and transforming its heat plant sites to new fuels by 2030, with the modernization of the Přerov Heat Plant costing over CZK 1 billion.

Switching to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources will contribute to meeting the country’s climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. It will also improve air quality and public health. The transition will create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth as clean energy technologies and infrastructure development become more crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Czech Republic has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The shift towards renewable energy sources in the domestic heating industry is a crucial step towards achieving these goals. The transformation will help the country to meet the EU’s energy and climate targets, while also creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Article by Prague Forum