Majority of Czechs Back Modern Energy, Despite Government's Nuclear Focus
A recent survey reveals that a majority of Czechs, 79%, back the advancement of modern energy production, with young people showing particularly strong support. Meanwhile, the Czech government plans to bolster nuclear power to phase out local coal usage. However, the Czech Republic has historically been cautious about increasing renewable energy in its power mix.
The Czech government's program declaration assures respect for territorial limits on coal mining. Yet, President Miloš Zeman's expert team, which includes Martin Nejedlý with ties to Russia, supports both nuclear energy development and continued coal production. This stance contrasts with a 2018 sociological study finding that 81% of Czechs consider solar and wind energy least harmful, while 71% view coal as most harmful.
Czech consumers currently foot an annual bill of approximately EUR 2 billion for renewable energy support. Despite this, the Ministry of Industry and Trade remains unsupportive of renewables, even as they become more affordable. The lack of annual renewable energy production targets in previous administrations led to a sudden surge in solar park capacity in 2010.
The Czech government's plans to strengthen nuclear power and respect coal mining limits may face public resistance, given the strong support for renewable energy. The future of energy production in the Czech Republic remains uncertain, with the Ministry of Industry and Trade's stance on renewables at odds with public opinion and affordability trends.
