Myths about renewables in Czechia

The lesson from the recent energy crisis is clear: we need more secure and cheaper energy supplies. Renewables will play an important role. But in Czechia, many myths and half-truths still circulate about them, creating a false impression. Let us take a closer look at some of these claims.

Myth 1: For every renewable source, one conventional backup source must be built to replace it when needed.

Reality: Regardless of how much solar or wind capacity we have, or do not have, we need to have roughly 12 GW of sources available whose output we can control in any weather. This is because it is the maximum demand that occurs in the Czech Republic when winter temperatures fall sharply. In the future, however, we will still rely on nuclear, hydro, gas and biomass sources to provide most of this required capacity. After coal-fired power plants are phased out, it will therefore be enough to build only 2 to 3 GW of other dispatchable sources.

Myth 2: Solar generates only 1,000 hours a year and wind 2,000 hours.

Reality: Solar plants generate whenever there is daylight. Naturally, they generate a lot on clear, sunny days; when it is cloudy, they generate little, but still produce at least some electricity. If we set the minimum required threshold at 20% of capacity, solar plants generate at or above this level for 2,300 hours a year. Wind power plants operate at the same percentage for 4,000 hours a year. Solar generates mainly during the summer half of the year, while wind does so in the winter half. They therefore complement each other ideally.

Myth 3: More renewables connected to the grid will cause a blackout.

Reality: In most EU countries, renewables account for a much higher share of electricity consumption than in the Czech Republic. In Germany, it is even approaching 50%. In Greece, in October, all demand was covered solely by renewables for five hours. Nowhere is there any collapse caused by renewables. Distribution and transmission grids must of course prepare for a higher share, but they can use a range of new tools, including various types of batteries or electrolysers for hydrogen production.

Myth 4: The development of renewables will create dependence on China, just as we were dependent on Russia for gas.

Reality: A large share of solar panels is indeed currently manufactured in China. However, once a panel reaches Europe, it can generate electricity for thirty years regardless of political developments. The comparison with gas and oil imports therefore does not hold up. At the same time, both the EU and the US are increasing support for domestic solar manufacturing, which in turn is an opportunity for Czech industry. Wind turbines have been manufactured in Europe from the outset.

Myth 5: Renewables will take up vast amounts of arable land and thus reduce our food security.

Reality: Under the current rules, solar plants may be built only on lower-quality land or on rooftops. In purely theoretical terms, allocating 1% of the Czech Republic's total area to renewable construction would be enough to cover all current electricity consumption in Czechia. Agricultural land (fields, orchards, vineyards, etc.) accounts for 53% of the total land fund, so renewables certainly pose no threat in this respect. Moreover, land allocated to wind power plants can continue to be used for growing crops or as pasture: energy and agricultural uses are therefore not mutually exclusive.

Pavel Řežábek, Chief economist at ČEZ