In a bold move to reshape the Czech Republic’s energy landscape, Industry and Trade Minister Lukáš Vlček (STAN) is set to present a groundbreaking legislative proposal in January. The new law aims to accelerate the construction of combined cycle gas power plants across the country, with hopes for approval within the first half of the year.
Dubbed “lex gas,” the legislation will primarily focus on streamlining the approval process for gas power plants with capacities exceeding 100 megawatts. Minister Vlček announced these plans during a Sunday television broadcast, highlighting the government’s commitment to energy infrastructure development.
The initiative has garnered support across political lines, with former Industry Minister and Chamber of Deputies Vice-Chairman Karel Havlíček (ANO) backing the proposal. Havlíček emphasized the importance of domestic energy production, stating firmly, “I refuse to bet on importing electricity from abroad”.
The legislation is part of a broader energy strategy, combining support for renewable sources and investments in transmission and distribution networks. According to Vlček, this comprehensive approach should ultimately lead to reduced electricity prices for households.
However, the transition raises questions about existing coal infrastructure. Havlíček warns that closing coal power plants would impact coal mines and district heating, where coal currently provides fifty percent of energy sources. He suggests maintaining some coal plants through an auction-based system until the new gas infrastructure is fully operational.