Czech solar capacity to double by end-2010 – energy regulator

(ADPnews) - Oct 6, 2010 - The Czech Energy Regulatory Office (ERU) said installed solar power capacity in the country is poised to rise to 1.4-1.6 GW by the end of the year from the current 754 MW.

Next year, solar power plants in the Czech Republic are expected to produce around 30% of all energy generated from renewable sources thanks to generous subsidies.

Three-quarters of subsidies for renewable resources will be given to solar power plants, ERU deputy chairman Blahoslav Nemecek told reporters. He said the subsidies, that are part of the electricity price, will rise from CZK 166 to around CZK 520 (USD 9/EUR 7 -USD 29/EUR 21) per MWh next year.

The subsidy will make around 15%-20% of the electricity price, the ERU said. Due to the higher subsidies for renewable resources electricity prices for Czech households will increase by around 12% as of January 2011. Industrial enterprises will pay up to 18.4% more for power.

The regulator wants to trim the purchase price of renewable electricity by around a half as of next year. It is expected to issue a decision on the purchase price for all renewable resources by the end of this month.

(CZK 1.0 = USD 0.056/EUR 0.041)

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