Czech heat pipeline from Dukovany to Brno secures CZK 10.6 billion from emissions allowances

The construction of a heat pipeline from the Dukovany nuclear power plant to Brno is set to receive CZK 10.6 billion in support from emissions allowance proceeds. Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) signed the decision today. The total cost will be approximately CZK 18 billion, and construction is due to start in 2027. The Ministry of the Environment announced the news in a press release.

"The heat pipeline will completely transform energy use for heat supplies in Brno. The new heating system will reduce primary energy consumption by more than 20 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by almost 60 percent compared with today. That is equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road. It makes sense not only economically, but also from an environmental perspective. The project will significantly help decarbonise the South Moravian Region," Hladík said.

The support allocation was made possible by the government’s approval of the State Environmental Fund (SFŽP) budget on Tuesday.

The aim of the project is to use waste heat from electricity generation at the Dukovany nuclear power plant and feed it into Brno’s district heating network. The main investor in the project is Teplárny Brno.

The system is expected to cover up to half of the heat demand in the city and surrounding municipalities, significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption. Brno currently depends on gas imports for more than 80 percent of its needs. In addition to the heat pipeline, the city will also obtain heat from the SAKO Brno waste-to-energy facility and from biomass.

Construction of the heat pipeline is due to begin in 2027, with heat expected to start flowing to Brno from 2031.