Within the framework of the international project CEESEU-DIGIT, supported by the EU LIFE grant, energy training continued in the Broumov region, in the north-east of the Czech Republic. ENVIROS, in cooperation with the local Council for the Development of the Broumov Region, organised a workshop on photovoltaic planning in the town of Broumov. Fifteen representatives of the municipalities in the region met at the local town hall in the morning and a similar training for local companies took place in the afternoon at the local monastery.
The meetings included information on available subsidies, the different steps for energy planning for solar energy development It is encouraging to see investments in PV technologies gaining momentum in the region, with projects in various stages of preparation or construction in Broumov, Police nad Metují, Meziměstí and Žďár nad Metují.
The construction process of power plants begins with a feasibility study, which identifies which buildings are suitable, whether they have the appropriate roof, and what economic model of investment and operation is most appropriate. This also affects whether a battery will be installed at the power plant. After that, it’s necessary to start the process of obtaining a building permit, and only then can one apply for an investment grant, usually from the Modernization Fund. Upon receiving the grant, the phase of project documentation and selection of the power plant contractor occurs, which is carried out through a tender process.
At the workshops participants also discussed the possible application of community energy. Community electricity sharing is newly defined by law and will be allowed from summer 2024. The newly introduced legislation marks a transformative step for the Czech electricity market, slated to commence on July 1, 2024. It paves the way for electricity sharing through a public distribution system, enabling a wider consumer base to access renewable energy sources. Complementing this initiative, the law also ensures the free installation of smart meters for all members of energy communities. These meters are crucial for the practical implementation of electricity sharing. Additionally, the legislation fortifies consumer rights within these energy communities by prohibiting unilateral changes to electricity supply contracts by traders, thereby offering enhanced protection to consumers.