Electricity in Czechia in 2023/2024

In the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Czechia has experienced a notable composition in its electricity consumption, with a significant emphasis on low-carbon energy sources. Low-carbon electricity accounted for over 60% of the total, with nuclear energy alone contributing to more than 40%. Fossil energy sources made up a little more than a third of the electricity, predominantly from coal, which represented about 34%. Hydropower contributed almost 7%, and solar energy was slightly more than 5%, each playing a key role in the clean energy mix. Although wind power represented close to 1%, it provides an opportunity for expansion. Meanwhile, biofuels, though controversial, also formed a small part of this low-carbon mix, accounting for just over 3%. The high utilization of low-carbon energy reflects a positive trend toward sustainable electricity generation in Czechia.

Suggestions

For Czechia to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation capability further, expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure would be a strategic move. Observing other countries with successful models can provide valuable insights. For instance, France generates an impressive 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing strong reliance on and efficiency in this clean energy source. Similarly, neighboring Slovakia obtains 60% of its electricity from nuclear power, reflecting the viability of nuclear energy in the region. To diversify Czechia's clean electricity mix, investing in wind energy would also be beneficial, following the lead of Denmark, which has achieved nearly 59% of its electricity from wind, as well as successful wind energy strategies seen in Germany and the Netherlands. Learning from these countries can help Czechia improve its clean energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which is crucial for combating climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, Czechia has steadily increased its low-carbon electricity generation, experiencing pivotal growth periods particularly in nuclear energy. In the late 1980s, nuclear energy saw annual increments of around 3.8 TWh to 4.6 TWh. Entering the 21st century, between 2001 and 2003, there was a substantial rise with nuclear energy production increasing by up to 7.1 TWh in a single year. However, the mid-2000s witnessed some setbacks with declines in nuclear energy of about 1.6 TWh in 2005. Unfortunately, further challenges arose with significant reductions of 3.5 TWh in 2015 and 2.7 TWh in 2016. More recently, in 2023-2024, nuclear saw a decrease of 2.1 TWh, which was contrasted by gains in hydropower and solar energy, indicating the dynamic nature of Czechia's low-carbon electricity evolution. These fluctuations highlight the potential for nuclear, alongside solar and wind, to continue to be pivotal in Czechia's clean electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources