There was a snag in solar energy, however. In 2010, when there was a sharp decline in the price of photovoltaic technology, legislators did not manage to amend the law to reduce the level of support. This was followed by a strong negative campaign by EZ against renewables, which the power company alleged were increasing the price of electricity. In fact, however, green energy accounts for only about 10 per cent of the final electricity price, while other regulated components (such as the fee for distribution) amount to as much as 35 per cent. Nevertheless, this experience is also reflected in a mistrustful posture toward the German decision to eliminate nuclear energy. Today’s right-wing government headed by Petr Neas is preparing an energy plan which calls for an increase in the nuclear component from 35 percent to 50 percent, while allowing renewables to grow to a mere 15 to 20 percent. The Czech Republic is in danger of becoming technologically isolated. If EZ builds new reactors at Temelín, they will come online around 2025, but by then wind and solar power will be economically more attractive than electricity from new nuclear plants. Long-term, clean energy sources could cover up to two-thirds of today’s demand for electricity, according even to conservative estimates. And there are also great opportunities to lower energy demands by modernizing buildings using thermal insulation and more efficient heating systems. The absence of a vision in the Czech Republic? The Czech Republic can also find inspiration in a well-considered strategy of long-term goals. The German government bases its vision on a range of studies and calculations. In the Czech Republic, however, sustainable long-term economic policies have thus far been elaborated on only by nongovernmental think tanks. The official energy policy only contemplates developing large-scale, conventional resources. But exploiting renewables or increasing energy efficiency can provide a needed impulse for domestic industry (which consumes much more energy than in the countries of the original EU-15), reduce consumption of fossil fuels, and reduce the negative impacts on human health and the environment. The Czech Republic does not need more nuclear energy anyway; at present, we export up to 17 TWh of electricity, which is more than Temelín produces in a year. Better times may be on the horizon, however. With the help of market research agency SC&C, the Alliance for Energy Independence asked people what kind of energy they want. An overwhelming majority would welcome more solar panels on the roofs of buildings, small hydroelectric plants and thermal biomass conversion plants supplemented by wind or biofuel stations. The public supports the gradual phasing-out of coal energy and restrictions to mining of coal and uranium. What will happen depends in particular on the willingness of Czech politicians to free the country from its dependence on EZ, and on their ability to learn and draw inspiration from the German experience. A new (clean) industrial revolution has begun with the leadership of Germany.
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5 – International perspectives
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