EC okays hydropower, biogas support in Czech Republic

The European Commission (EC) this week approved hydropower and biogas support schemes in the Czech Republic, worth a total of CZK 740 million (USD 30.1m/EUR 27.4m).

The incentives are in line with EU state aid rules, the Commission said.

The hydropower measure, with a total budget of CZK 218 million, will support facilities with a capacity of up to 10 MW. Installations of above 0.5 MW will get a market premium paid on top of the market price, while the smaller ones will receive a feed-in tariff (FiT).

The biogas scheme will provide support to installations of up to 0.5 MW that will produce heat by burning biogas which is at least 70% derived from animal by-products, barnyard manure or biodegradable waste. It has a total budget of CZK 522 million and all installations will receive a fixed premium for their heat output.

The schemes will help the Czech Republic achieve its 2020 renewable energy targets, the EC said. The country has a goal of 14% renewables share in gross electricity consumption by 2020. The biogas incentives will also contribute to its targets for restricting the landfilling of biodegradable waste.

(CZK 10.0 = USD 0.407/EUR 0.370)

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