CEZ's renewable energy generation in Czechia rose 29% in the quarter

The weather was favorable for renewable energy sources in the first quarter of this year. During that period, ČEZ's green power plants increased generation year on year by 29 percent to more than 860 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy. The increase was driven mainly by hydropower plants, although output also rose at other sources. ČEZ informed the Czech News Agency (ČTK) in a press release today.

According to ČEZ, several factors contributed to the increase in generation: modernization of hydropower plants, higher flows in Czech rivers, and more sunny and windy days in the first three months of the year. The company said the emissions-free energy produced would cover the consumption of around 245.000 households. In total, it accounted for more than a third of the renewable generation produced over the whole of 2023.

Among the large hydropower plants, Orlík, Slapy and Lipno on the Vltava cascade led the way, while the small hydropower plants were headed by Vydra in the Šumava mountains and Práčov on the Chrudimka River. Among solar parks, Ralsko and Ševětín in South Bohemia were the top performers.

„In an era of changeable weather, a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources spread across the country has once again proved essential for stable generation. Shortfalls from one type of source can be made up by plants harnessing another natural element or by those we operate in other parts of the country. If the sun is not shining, it is usually windy or raining,” said Jan Kalina, a member of ČEZ's board and director of its renewable and conventional energy division. While hydropower and wind power generated the most energy in January, the weather was most favorable for solar plants in March.

Renewable energy generation is growing worldwide. Its share of total generation reached a record 30.3 percent globally last year. That was 0.9 percentage points more than the previous year, the Ember think tank said this week. Despite the current increase in renewable generation, Czechia has long lagged behind the EU. For example, the share of solar and wind power plants in total electricity generation in the Czech Republic was 3.7 percent the year before last. That is well below the European average; across the EU, the share was around 22 percent.