Wind power in Czech Republic: 150 MW in 2009 and 1,200 MW by 2020

In 2005, the Czech Republic had 6.1% share of renewables in its energy mix. Its 2020 target as set by the Renewable Energy Directive is 13%.

Currently, there is 150 MW wind power installed in the country, out of the approximately 65,000 MW of total wind installations in the EU. The legislation covering power from renewable sources in the Czech Republic ensures renewable energy plants get connected to the grid and guarantees revenue for each unit of electricity produced over a 15 year period from the date the renewable energy project comes online

In 2004, the Czech government adopted an energy policy that prioritised indigenous production and energy independence, optimising nuclear capacity. This strategy is currently being reviewed and should be updated by September 2009.

The government foresees wind installations of 1,200 MW by 2020, claiming that this is the maximum the limited transmission network could cope with. The Czech Wind Energy Association, on the other hand, foresees higher growth in the market, reaching up to 1,500 MW by 2020.

With increasing investments, it believes wind could produce around 6 TWh, about 12% of the 50 TWh renewables target.

The Czech Republic – the wind energy facts
RES DIRECTIVE OBJECTIVE: . . . . . . . . 13% by 2020
CURRENT INSTALLED WIND CAPACITY: . . . 150 MW (producing 125 GWh)

SUPPORT MECHANISMS:
a) Minimum feed-in tariffs: 2.46 CZK/kWh (10 euro cents/kWh) guaranteed for 15 years for plants already in operation. New plants’ feed-in tariffs decrease yearly by a maximum of 5%.
b) Green bonuses (surcharges on the market price of electricity): 1.95 CZK/kWh
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATOR: . . . . CEPS
DISTRIBUTION GRID OPERATOR: . . . . . . CEZ
REGULATOR: . . . . . Czech Energy Regulation Offi ce (ERU)

www.csve.cz/en/

www.ewea.org