Hot water pipeline from Dukovany speeds up changes in Brno: heating utility to separate heat distribution
Teplárny Brno (TB) will separate heat distribution from generation into a separate company, Teplárny Brno Distribuce, as part of preparations for a hot water pipeline from the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant to Brno. The company was established in May this year, and the transformation will be completed by October. This was one of the conditions for receiving a subsidy for the pipeline from the Ministry of the Environment. Representatives of the heating utility's management and the new company told journalists today. Construction of the pipeline and modifications to Brno's network will cost approximately CZK 18 billion, with the subsidy expected to amount to CZK 10.6 billion.
Teplárny Brno Distribuce will not only ensure the operation and development of the distribution system, but will also oversee construction of the hot water pipeline and receive the subsidy that the heating utility has been promised by the Ministry of the Environment for the project.
"The creation of a separate company, which will be separate from heat generation and sales and deal only with distribution, is one of the conditions for receiving a subsidy from the Ministry of the Environment," said TB finance director Přemysl Měchura.
TB established the company in April this year; it was entered in the Commercial Register on 1 May and will begin independent operations in October this year. Assets related to heat distribution will be transferred to it, chiefly the steam and hot water pipeline network and heat exchanger stations. "Nothing will change for customers; the change primarily concerns the company's internal structure and the separation of individual activities," said Martin Šroubek, the future director of TB Distribuce.
In addition to distribution, the heating utility plans next year to spin off sales and generation into two separate companies, which are to begin operating in October 2027.
The hot water pipeline is one of the most significant strategic projects for Brno and the entire region. Its aim is to use heat generated during electricity production at the Dukovany nuclear power plant and supply it to Brno's district heating network. The route will be 42 kilometres long from Dukovany, followed by a further 53 kilometres of routes within Brno's urban area. The project has secured support of CZK 10.6 billion from emissions allowance revenues. Total costs will be approximately CZK 18 billion, while ČEZ will invest a further approximately CZK 3 billion to ensure heat offtake at Dukovany.
