Association: Czech energy firms agree with Havlíček on government energy priorities

Measures to reduce energy prices for households and industry, as well as the construction of new generation capacity including the accelerated introduction of capacity mechanisms, are among the main priorities agreed today by representatives of the largest domestic energy companies and Karel Havlíček (ANO), the likely future Minister of Industry and Trade. The Czech Energy Association (SEČR) told ČTK. According to the association, Havlíček confirmed during the meeting, for example, the new government's intention to shift all fees for supported energy sources (POZE) to the state, continue investments in new nuclear and renewable sources, and modernise grids.

The association brings together key players in the domestic energy sector from the electricity, gas and heating industries, as well as other sectors. It currently has more than 60 members employing over 100,000 people, including the largest energy producers, distributors and suppliers in Czechia.

"It is good news that we have found common ground between a number of SEČR's priorities and the government's policy statement on key energy issues for ensuring secure and stable energy supplies. A successful energy transition is also a prerequisite for the success of the Czech economy as a whole," said Daniel Beneš, chairman of SEČR's board and head of energy company ČEZ.

At the meeting, Havlíček reiterated the incoming government's energy priorities, which are to include affordable energy prices, ensuring energy security, infrastructure modernisation, support for low-emission sources and new technologies, and the development of the investment environment and technical education. According to the association, a shared goal will also be to create a predictable regulatory framework, simplify and significantly speed up permitting processes, and reduce bureaucracy.

"The construction of new generation capacity, including the accelerated introduction of capacity mechanisms for new sources, was also discussed. We share an interest in establishing effective cooperation in the energy sector between the state and SEČR, for example through a commission for energy and climate strategy, as well as in pushing for changes to European rules," Havlíček said.

SEČR Executive Director Josef Kotrba added that the Czech energy sector faces enormous investments requiring a stable pro-investment environment. "However, we also face tasks in the form of legislative changes and promoting proposals to revise European rules so that they are fully in line with the interests of the Czech Republic. One example is pushing for the extension of the taxonomy eligibility of nuclear and gas sources," he added.