Czech state to provide half a billion crowns for development of biomass energy sources

The state will provide half a billion crowns to develop new sources for producing energy from biomass. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) has announced a grant call for Czech companies for next year, using money from European funds. The ministry aims to support mainly heat production and the combined production of heat and electricity. The MPO announced this in a press release today.

„We see the future of Czech energy in nuclear power and the development of renewable sources. That is why we have long focused on supporting Czech companies’ transition away from fossil fuels. Activities eligible for support under the current call include building biomass heat sources, including combined heat and power production, and delivering heat through distribution systems to where it is consumed. This can make companies more energy self-sufficient, reduce their operating costs and contribute to environmental protection at the same time,“ said Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček (STAN).

According to the ministry, the grants are intended not only to support but also to make the use of renewable energy sources more attractive, particularly biomass produced by the companies themselves.

„The programme is an opportunity for companies that want to invest in innovation, reduce costs and protect the environment. It is one of the steps that will enable the transition to a low-carbon economy while preserving the competitiveness of Czech businesses,“ said Ondřej Tomšej, director of the Department of Infrastructure for SMEs and Energy Programmes.

Companies will be able to apply for support from 9 January until next year. According to the ministry, the grant amount will be calculated based on the size of the company and the type of expenditure. Companies will be able to use the grants to cover up to 65 percent of their eligible project costs.

In recent months, the MPO has also supported the construction of other renewable energy sources through grant calls. For example, in June it launched a grant call worth three billion crowns for the construction of wind power plants, and it is also holding auctions for operating support for electricity generation from new or modernised renewable sources.