The Czech Republic is facing significant challenges in its energy mix as it moves towards meeting its carbon neutrality commitment in 2050. According to an analysis by the power transmission system operator, CEPS, the country will be dependent on expensive and risky electricity imports from abroad if it stops producing coal energy from 2030. This may even lead to electricity shortages in some cases.

CEPS has recommended that the country construct additional nuclear power plants in the future to maintain the security and reliability of the electricity supply. It has also recommended the introduction of a capacity mechanism to support flexible sources and the maintenance of a degree of self-sufficiency in meeting national electricity consumption.

The Czech government has already planned to move away from coal by 2033, but there are talks of accelerating this move to 2030. This is the date set by companies such as ČEZ for reducing coal-fired generation. However, the CEPS analysis highlights the risk of electricity shortages if the country does not maintain a certain level of self-sufficiency.

The shift towards a more sustainable energy mix is crucial to achieve the Czech Republic’s carbon neutrality commitment. The country must increase its installed capacity of renewable energy sources while ensuring the stability of its electricity system. Nuclear energy could play a significant role in this regard.

Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source of electricity that can provide baseload power, which is essential for maintaining a stable and reliable electricity supply. Furthermore, nuclear energy has a much smaller land-use footprint than renewables and can produce electricity on a large scale. However, the construction and operation of nuclear power plants require significant investment and strict safety measures.

The introduction of a capacity mechanism to support flexible sources can also help maintain the stability of the electricity system. Flexible sources, such as gas-fired power plants, can adjust their output to balance fluctuations in renewable energy sources’ output. They can also provide backup power during periods of high demand or when renewable energy sources are unavailable.

In conclusion, the Czech Republic faces significant challenges in its energy mix as it moves towards meeting its carbon neutrality commitment. The country must increase its installed capacity of renewable energy sources while maintaining the stability and reliability of its electricity system. The construction of additional nuclear power plants and the introduction of a capacity mechanism to support flexible sources can help achieve these goals. The country must also maintain a degree of self-sufficiency in meeting its national electricity consumption to avoid electricity shortages and expensive imports from abroad.

Article by Prague Forum