Czech Energy Association: If industry cannot cope with energy prices, we will lose too

The priorities of the Czech energy sector are more competitive electricity and gas prices, and investment in modernisation, decarbonisation and the construction of new energy sources. Representatives of the association’s leadership said this today after its first forum at the International Engineering Fair in Brno. Energy companies therefore want to hold open discussions with the state and industry.

The Czech energy sector must undergo fundamental modernisation, according to the association. "We face enormous investments of three to four trillion crowns to maintain the Czech Republic’s energy security. Investment will go towards developing the entire energy network, as well as renewable, gas-fired and nuclear power sources," said Daniel Beneš, chairman of the board and CEO of the ČEZ energy group.

According to the association, the Czech energy sector and industry need solutions that reduce costs, eliminate uncertainty and ease the administrative burden. Its representatives said legislation needs to be amended and simplified to support foreign investment in Czechia, as well as energy security and the competitiveness of industry.

"The energy sector is not on the opposite side from industry, seeking the highest possible prices. If industry cannot cope with energy prices and is not competitive, that is our failure too. That is why we are ready to help industry with decarbonisation and adapting to new conditions," said Josef Kotrba, executive director of the Energy Association.

The Energy Association was founded this summer. It brings together companies that employ more than 100,000 people in the electricity, gas and heat sectors.