Electricity_Supply_CZECHREPUBLIC_text

Perspectives of renewable enery sources in the Czech Republic Water power belongs to major renewable energy sources in the Czech Republic (3.6% of gross energy production). It is used through a wide range of types and sizes of hydroelectric plants. Water power is either derived using kinetic energy of the stream flow (in case of small hydropower plants with installed power up to 10 MW) or from potential energy of falling water (dams – large power plants with installed power more than 10 MW). During 20th century, the development focused on large power plants and dams. Dams were intended not only for energy production but also for flood protection, tourism and other reasons. In recent years, the water power development has been primary focused on small water power plants.

The current technically usable potential of Czech streams is 3380 GWh per year (based on Czech Renewable Energy Agency). In case of small water power plants it is 1570 GWh per year. Approximately 1400 working small power plants have been producing 700 GWh per year; it means there is still potential of 55% energy production increase.

The Czech Republic as a member of the EU should increase the share of renewable energy sources on production to 13 % by 2020. The major future potential would be in building large water dams. Although about 200 suitable profiles have been already selected (primary for water storage and flood protection), construction of these is under current situation not possible. Besides high financial costs of construction, flooding of valleys would mean destruction of valuable natural habitats and relocation of rural communities.

In order to increase the share of renewable energy, electricity produced by renewable sources is highly subsidized by the government in recent years. This economic stimulus led to construction of new wind- and solar power stations.

As a consequence, the debate on renewable energy is now dominated by issue of misuse of high public subsidies for making profit by private businesses. It has been also discussed the consequences of land-use and landscape changes as a result of newly build high and visible wind power stations and large solar power station which are often constructed over arable land. Both of these issues are negatively perceived by some citizens.

Some municipalities and regional governments blocked new construction of wind power stations in their master plans as a measure for landscape preservation. In 2010, permissions for constructions of new solar and wind power plants are not given, because of problems with distribution network. Existing or constructed solar and wind power plants have such a large capacity that it is becoming problematic to sustain stability in the energy system.