Factors influencing the selection of the past and future strategies for electricity generation in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The Czech Republic is the world's sixth largest exporter of electricity. It currently faces a fundamental decision on a new orientation of its energy strategy. Current electricity generation is based on coal (54.7%) and nuclear energy (32.7%). Nowadays the lifespan of the recoverabe reserves is less than 20 years in case of sub-bituminous coal and less than 2 years in case of uranium. Also the original lifespan of all 4 blocks of the power station Dukovany, one of county's two nuclear power plants, is approaching. These are the main reason why the Czech Republic is forced to revise its future energy strategy as well as its current optimal energy mix. This paper analyses the role of individual energy minerals in the future electricity generation portfolio of the Czech Republic. From the point of the energy security, it seems to be optimal to increase the availability of domestic sub-bituminous coal and continue with the preparation of new nuclear energy blocks and extending the lifespan of existing ones. These actions should be supported by investments to the geological survey of domestic uranium deposits. Impartial evaluation of RES potential and impact of their use on the electricity price is advisable simultaneously.