Czech ČEZ plans to build more than 600 MW of wind capacity with municipalities

Energy company ČEZ plans to build wind power plants with a total capacity of more than 600 megawatts (MW) in cooperation with municipalities. So far, it has signed 41 cooperation agreements with municipalities. The company informed the Czech News Agency (ČTK) today. At the end of last year, wind power capacity in Czechia stood at around 371 MW. The Czech Republic lags behind other European countries in the use of wind energy.

"We are pleased that our offer has found a response in more than forty municipalities across the Czech Republic. The total potential capacity of wind turbines at contracted sites has exceeded 600 MW. Partnerships with municipalities are absolutely crucial for us, because only through a joint approach will we be able to move wind projects forward," said Jan Kalina, a member of the board of directors and head of ČEZ's renewables and conventional power division.

ČEZ has so far found partner municipalities in 11 regions. "In addition to Vysočina, we see significant potential, for example, in the Central Bohemian, Moravian-Silesian, Pardubice and Liberec regions. Where the situation and local conditions allow, we prefer cooperation with municipalities grouped in micro-regions, such as the areas around Přibyslav or Svitavy, due to broader coordination," said Kateřina Bičáková, director of ČEZ Renewables.

According to her, municipalities' approach to wind power has changed significantly in recent times. "The growing experience of residents with wind turbines also plays a major role. We can see evidence that long-term coexistence with wind turbines affects the attitudes of municipalities and residents, for example, in Věžnice in the Vysočina Region," Bičáková said.

ČEZ currently operates wind power plants with a total capacity of eight MW at two locations. Two turbines are in Věžnice in the Vysočina Region, while others are in Janov near Litomyšl. According to the company, wind power plants are to complement solar plants in the future. By 2030, ČEZ wants to invest up to CZK 40 billion in new renewable energy sources.

However, according to long-term statistics, Czechia significantly lags behind in the development and use of wind energy. Last year, wind power plants covered one percent of electricity consumed in the country, with the share having stagnated in recent years. The Europe-wide share of wind power in consumption, meanwhile, rose to 20 percent last year.