Czech Environment Ministry: CZK 950 million to support energy savings in public buildings in coal regions

Almost CZK 1 billion in grants will support energy savings in public buildings and their operations in coal regions. The Ústí nad Labem, Karlovy Vary and Moravian-Silesian regions can use the funds, for example, for comprehensive insulation, replacing heating sources, modernising indoor lighting or installing photovoltaics. The Ministry of the Environment said in a press release. Applications will open on 14 August 2025.

The energy consumption of energy-intensive public buildings in coal regions has been unfavourable for a long time, according to the ministry. Schools, hospitals and municipal offices, for example, can use the investment of almost CZK 1 billion from the Just Transition Operational Programme, funded by European grants. The largest amount, CZK 600 million, is going to the Ústí nad Labem Region, with a further CZK 200 million for the Moravian-Silesian Region and CZK 150 million for the Karlovy Vary Region, the smallest by area.

"In the newly announced calls, we are emphasising that renovations of public buildings should be comprehensive and focus on more than just energy savings," said Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL).

The aim is also to support the use of energy from renewable sources, improve indoor environmental quality and adapt buildings to climate change. The funds can therefore also be used for indoor lighting, installing photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, or collecting, treating and distributing rainwater or greywater.

The grant rate will be calculated from so-called unit costs, the amount of which will depend on the scope of the building renovation. This means that the greater the resulting energy savings, the higher the grant.

"We will monitor various building parameters, but the key factor will be the amount of primary energy saved from non-renewable sources, for which savings must be at least 30 percent," added Petr Valdman, director of the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic.

New buildings are not eligible for grants.

The measures supported in schools, kindergartens and hospitals cover not only the production of green energy, for example from solar panels, and building insulation. "Another important step is to consider energy savings in the operation of energy-intensive technologies, for example in cooking or laundry. That is why we will offer CZK 325 million from the total allocation through the calls to modernise equipment in school canteens and hospital laundries, as well as in other healthcare, educational and social care facilities," Hladík said. In this case, support can amount to up to 50 percent of total eligible costs.

Applicants from the three regions will be able to submit grant applications from 14 August this year via the IS KP21+ portal. The grant calls will close on 6 January 2026, except in the Ústí nad Labem Region, where applications will be accepted until 30 June 2026.