Počerady drives Czech gas consumption, accounting for almost all growth

Natural gas consumption in the Czech Republic rose year on year by 18.1% in the third quarter of this year compared with the same period of the previous year. After adjusting for long-term normal temperature conditions, the increase is slightly revised down to 13.7%. The combined-cycle gas power plant in Počerady played a significant role in the increase. This follows from published data from the Energy Regulatory Office and data published by ČEZ.

Although temperatures in the third quarter this year were 1.3 °C above the long-term temperature norm, natural gas consumption in the Czech Republic increased substantially. Total consumption in the past quarter reached 13 291 GWh (13 532 GWh after temperature adjustment). Overall, adjusted consumption increased by 1 609 GWh compared with the same period last year.

After adjustment for long-term normal temperature conditions, gas consumption rose in all three quarters of this year (note: it increased by 0.7% in the first quarter and by 14.8% in the second).

Low prices on global markets contributed to higher natural gas consumption. During the third quarter, prices fell below 10 EUR/MWh, although they gradually began to recover towards the end of the quarter.

Gas consumption was likely also affected by the fact that large consumers account for approximately half of natural gas consumption in the Czech Republic and are more influenced by low wholesale prices.

Počerady accounted for almost all of the increase in consumption

Very low natural gas prices, along with favourable electricity and emissions allowance prices, also led the combined-cycle gas power plant in Počerady to substantially increase its generation, which it will effectively double this year. Its gas consumption has naturally increased as well. This year, it has already consumed nearly 7 000 GWh of natural gas.

In the third quarter alone, Počerady consumed a total of 2 800 GWh of gas, compared with only 1 375 GWh in the same period last year. Počerady therefore increased consumption by 1 425 GWh, meaning it accounted for virtually all of the overall increase in gas consumption.

It should be added that Počerady generated electricity in the third quarter in a manner similar to a baseload plant, as evidenced by its high installed capacity utilisation factor. In September this year, it even exceeded 80%.