Solar plants Northern Bohemia and the clean energy transition
ČEZ has announced an ambitious plan to construct its largest solar power plants on the sites of two former power stations in Northern Bohemia, a move poised to significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity. This initiative aligns with ČEZ’s broader strategy to transition from coal to renewable energy sources, marking a significant milestone in the country’s clean energy journey.
According to Radio Prague International, the new solar plants will be situated at the former Počerady and Ledvice power stations, both decommissioned. ČEZ plans to install hundreds of thousands of solar panels over an extensive 130-hectare area previously used for coal storage. This project is anticipated 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 solar plants will integrate seamlessly with the existing power grid infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition. This infrastructure, previously utilized for coal-fired power stations, is well-suited to accommodate the new solar capacity.
Reducing coal dependency with solar plants Northern Bohemia
Historically reliant on coal, the Czech Republic is now committed to reducing its coal dependency and amplifying the share of renewable energy within its overall energy mix. The ČEZ solar project is pivotal to this strategy, expected to significantly contribute to the nation meeting its renewable energy targets.
The Počerady solar plant, occupying a 70-hectare site, will boast a capacity of 100 MWp—more than double the capacity of the country’s largest existing solar power plant near Brno. Meanwhile, the Ledvice plant will cover 60 hectares with a capacity of 95 MWp.
Construction of these solar plants is scheduled to begin next year, pending approval from the Ministry of the Environment. An environmental impact assessment has been submitted by ČEZ, with a decision anticipated by year-end.
Solar plants Northern Bohemia to power 77,000 households
Once operational, these solar plants will play a significant role in reducing regional carbon emissions. ČEZ projects that the new plants will avert the release of 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to emissions from about 50,000 cars.
The solar power plants are not only environmentally beneficial but are also expected to stimulate the local economy. ČEZ plans to generate new job opportunities by hiring local workers for the construction and operational phases of the plants. Furthermore, the company intends to invest in training programs to equip local residents with skills necessary for employment in the renewable energy sector.
The Počerady and Ledvice sites are particularly suitable for solar power generation due to their high sunlight levels. ČEZ anticipates the solar plants will operate at an average efficiency of around 20%, a figure comparable to other significant solar projects across Europe.
In addition to these solar developments, ČEZ is exploring other renewable energy projects within the region, including potential wind farms and battery storage facilities. These ventures could further enhance the renewable energy share in the country’s energy portfolio. For more on ČEZ’s innovative approaches, visit CEZ Group Secures Solar PV With New Solution – PVKnowhow.