Northern Bohemia to Host ČEZ’s Largest Solar Power Plants
ČEZ has announced an ambitious plan to build its largest solar power plants on the sites of two former power stations in Northern Bohemia—a move set to significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity.
As a key part of ČEZ’s broader strategy to transition from coal, this initiative marks a milestone in Czech renewable energy news and the nation’s clean energy journey.
According to Radio Prague International, the new solar plants will be located on the decommissioned sites of the Počerady and Ledvice power stations. ČEZ plans to install hundreds of thousands of solar panels across a 130-hectare area once used for coal storage, a project expected to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 77,000 households.
“This is a big step in our effort to transform the region’s brown coal basins into green energy valleys,” stated Daniel Beneš, chairman of the ČEZ board of directors.
The new solar plants will integrate seamlessly into the existing power grid. The infrastructure, previously used for the coal-fired stations, is well-suited to handle the new solar capacity, ensuring a smooth transition.
A Strategic Shift from Coal to Solar Power
Historically reliant on coal, the Czech Republic is now committed to reducing this dependency and increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix. The ČEZ solar project is pivotal to this strategy and will significantly help the nation meet its renewable energy targets.
The Počerady solar plant will occupy a 70-hectare site and have a capacity of 100 MWp—more than double that of the country’s largest existing solar facility near Brno. Meanwhile, the Ledvice plant will cover 60 hectares with a planned capacity of 95 MWp.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year, pending approval from the Ministry of the Environment. ČEZ has submitted an environmental impact assessment and anticipates a decision by the end of the year.
Environmental and Economic Impact of the Solar Initiative
Once operational, these solar plants will significantly reduce regional carbon emissions. ČEZ projects that the new facilities will prevent the release of 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to the emissions from about 50,000 cars.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the solar power plants are also expected to stimulate the local economy. ČEZ plans to create jobs by hiring local workers for the construction and operation of the plants. The company will also invest in training programs to equip residents with the skills needed for the renewable energy sector.
The Počerady and Ledvice sites are well-suited for solar power generation due to their high levels of sunlight. ČEZ expects the plants to operate at an average efficiency of around 20%, a figure comparable to other major solar projects in Europe.
In addition to these solar developments, ČEZ is exploring other renewable energy projects in the region, including potential wind farms and battery storage facilities. These ventures could further increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy portfolio. For more on ČEZ’s innovative approaches, visit CEZ Group Secures Solar PV With New Solution – PVKnowhow.
