Fiala: Cost of building the Czech heat pipeline from Dukovany to Brno to be around CZK 18 billion

The expected cost of building a heat pipeline from Dukovany to Brno will be around CZK 18 billion. Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) said this today at a press conference after a cabinet meeting, in connection with the approval of the State Environmental Fund’s (SFŽP) budget for next year and its medium-term outlook. According to Fiala, the heat pipeline will ensure reliable and affordable heat supplies for residents of Brno and nearby municipalities. Construction of the pipeline is expected to begin in 2027, with Brno set to start receiving heat in 2031.

"A stable source from Dukovany will ensure reliable and affordable heat supplies for Brno and other nearby municipalities, increase energy self-sufficiency and contribute to cleaner air by reducing emissions from heat production," Fiala said.

According to him, approval of the SFŽP budget means there is now nothing to stand in the way of building the heat pipeline.

The SFŽP’s total revenues and expenditures are balanced at around CZK 50 billion, Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) said. "Thanks to today’s resolution and the government’s guarantee of long-term financing for the heat pipeline project to Brno, I will be able to sign this decision in the coming days, ensuring zero-emission heat," Hladík added. According to him, around half of the heat will come from the pipeline, another 30 percent from waste and a fifth from wood chips.

Up to CZK 11 billion from revenues generated by auctions of emission allowances has been earmarked to finance construction of the heat pipeline from Dukovany to Brno, the SFŽP and the Environment Ministry said earlier.

The aim of the heat pipeline project from Dukovany to Brno is to use waste heat from electricity generation at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant and feed it into Brno’s district heating network. Teplárny Brno is the main investor. The system is expected to cover up to half of the heat demand in the city and nearby municipalities, significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption. Brno currently relies on imported gas for more than 80 percent of its needs. In addition to the heat pipeline, the city will also obtain heat from SAKO Brno’s waste-to-energy facility and from biomass.