The Czech Republic has reported a notable decrease in electricity and gas consumption during the second quarter of 2022. According to reports, electricity consumption witnessed a decline of 7.9% compared to the same period last year, while gas consumption dropped by 5.1%. These reductions are largely attributed to the widespread adoption of solar panels and the implementation of energy-saving measures.

Despite a relatively cool spring compared to previous years, gas consumption saw a significant decline of 5.1% year-on-year, as highlighted by Amper Meteo analyst Kamil Rajdl. The installation of solar panels on rooftops has played a key role in curbing electricity consumption. In June alone, approximately 560 MW of solar panel systems were connected, capable of effectively covering household consumption and significantly reducing electricity usage for businesses that have adopted these systems, according to Martin Nádeníček from Amper Savings, an energy savings company.

The reduction in electricity consumption has positively impacted the need to draw power from the grid. Furthermore, gas savings have been achieved despite a relatively calm second quarter, with temperatures from April to June being one degree Celsius lower than the average recorded between 2018 and 2022.

The second quarter of this year also witnessed a notable push for gas savings, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite these exceptional circumstances, households and businesses were still able to generate savings, with year-on-year savings of 10.3% and 18.8% respectively, when considering weather patterns and the impact of the Počerady steam power plant.

In the first half of the year, the Czech Republic generated 2,825 GWh of renewable energy, covering 8.3% of the country’s overall consumption. Solar power plants accounted for nearly half of the renewable energy production, with hydropower plants contributing 43%, and the remaining 12% generated by wind power plants.

Amper Meteo derives its calculations and analyses from publicly available data, including electricity consumption data from ČEPS and gas data from NET4GAS. The company also collaborates with the Energy Regulatory Authority and ČEZ, although the ERU only provides data for the first five months of the year.

The decline in energy consumption in the Czech Republic is an encouraging development towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting the utilization of renewable energy sources. These achievements reflect the country’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Article by Prague Forum