Electricity in Czechia in 2024

In 2024, Czechia's electricity consumption is largely split between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon energy, which includes nuclear, hydropower, solar, and biofuels, contributes over 60% of the total electricity production, with nuclear alone accounting for more than 40%. Hydropower and solar power add almost 7% and over 5%, respectively, while biofuels contribute close to 3.5%. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, still represent a significant portion at nearly 39%, with coal being the dominant fossil energy source responsible for 34% of the electricity production. Gas provides less than 5%. It is evident that low-carbon sources are making significant strides, but a substantial reliance on fossil fuels persists, underscoring the pressing need for cleaner energy solutions to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Czechia could focus on expanding its nuclear capacity, given its already significant contribution. Learning from countries with robust clean energy portfolios can guide this endeavor. For instance, France demonstrates the potential of nuclear energy, producing an impressive 68% of its electricity from this source. Similarly, neighboring Slovakia generates 60% of its electricity from nuclear power, which matches Czechia's regional potential. Emphasizing solar energy could also be beneficial, as seen in Greece, which generates 22% of its electricity from solar. Additionally, investment in wind power, as successfully implemented by Denmark with 59% of its electricity from wind, could complement the current energy mix, providing a diversified and sustainable approach to energy generation.

History

Historically, Czechia's commitment to low-carbon electricity, particularly nuclear energy, has seen varying stages of investment and output. The late 1980s, notably 1986 through 1988, were times of nuclear expansion, contributing significantly to the electricity supply. The early 2000s again witnessed a substantial rise in nuclear generation, most remarkably in 2003 with an increase of 7.1 TWh. However, the mid-2010s marked troubling declines in nuclear output, with decreases of 3.5 TWh in 2015 and 2.7 TWh in 2016—years that call for critical reassessment and renewed commitment to nuclear energy. More recently, in 2024, there has been a slight setback for nuclear energy with a reduction of 2.4 TWh, while solar energy shows a promising rise of 0.9 TWh. This history underscores the importance of consistent support and investment in enhancing nuclear and other low-carbon electricity sources to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future for Czechia.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources