The Act on Accelerating the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, by Alena Chaloupková, Aleš Mácha
A new Act No. 249/2025 Coll., on the Accelerating the Use of Certain Renewable Energy Sources and on Amendments to Related Acts (the Act on the Accelerating the Use of Renewable Energy Sources), entered into force on 1 August 2025. This article describes the contents of this Act, with a particular focus on the issue of delimiting so-called acceleration areas.
Subsidies from the MoE for Reducing the Energy Performance of Buildings, by Eva Kolešková, Jiří Jeřábek
Buildings represent one of the most significant sources of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the Czech Republic. The Ministry of the Environment, therefore, systematically develops subsidy and support programmes aimed at reducing their energy performance. This article provides an overview of the main support instruments – the New Green Savings Programme, the new ENERGov call from the Modernisation Fund, and the energy consultancy reform.
Small Modular Reactors Preparation, by Jan Prášil
Small and medium-sized reactors should find their application in connection with the transformation of the Czech energy sector and particularly in relation to meeting European commitments in this field. Their technology addresses the demand for lower output and a lower overall cost of low-carbon energy sources. In 2023, the Government of the Czech Republic approved a document developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade entitled Plan for Small and Medium-Sized Reactors in the Czech Republic – Use and Economic Benefits. This innovative technology will be incorporated into the State Energy Policy and addressed in the Spatial Development Policy of the Czech Republic, based on this document.
Barriers and Opportunities of Areas Affected by Lignite Mining in the Context of the Karlovy Vary Region, by Tomáš Sabo, Tomáš Hák
The gradual shift away from coal as an energy source represents a significant transformational challenge for European regions dependent on mining. The aim of this study is to identify the key barriers and opportunities for transforming the Karlovy Vary Region in the context of the decline in lignite mining. Methodologically, a scoping review was used to map the socioeconomic factors of the transformation, supplemented by a systematic analysis of regional, national, and European strategic documents. The results show that the dominant barriers include ineffective management of social issues, specific demographic population composition, and inadequately set up legislation. Conversely, the main opportunities lie in implementing transformation projects, developing low-emission technologies, and strengthening the region’s innovation capacities. The study confirms that the success of the transformation depends on a comprehensive approach that reflects local socio-cultural and economic specificities. An effective transformation strategy should integrate insights from strategic documents with empirical scientific findings and consider the unique characteristics of the affected area.
Spatial Development from the RES Perspective – CR Legislative Basis and International Experience, by Adam Novák, Tereza Snopková
This article addresses the issue of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into spatial planning in the Czech Republic in the context of current legislation and international experience. The first part analyses the European legal framework (in particular RED III, REPowerEU, and the “transitional” Regulation 2022/2577) and Act No. 249/2025 Coll., on Accelerating the Use of Certain Renewable Energy Sources, which introduces the concept of essential and acceleration areas. The second part focuses on the possibilities and limitations of municipalities in regulating RES within spatial plans, including case law from administrative courts. The third part provides a comparison with legal frameworks in Germany and Austria, where municipalities are legislatively guided to actively delimit areas for RES. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for a timely, strategic, and balanced approach of municipalities to RES planning, taking into account both climate objectives and the protection of the landscape and local specificities.
South Bohemian Region’s Spatial Development Principles Amendment in Relation to the Need to Strengthen the Energy Mix, Particularly in the Area of Renewable Energy Sources, by Věra Třísková
The South Bohemian Region has decided to adopt a conceptual approach to this issue across its entire administrative territory in response to legislative changes and the increased interest in supplementing the energy mix in the Czech Republic with energy from renewable sources. Among other measures, the Regional Council of the South Bohemian Region decided to develop Amendment No. 10 to the Spatial Development Principles of the South Bohemian Region. This amendment aims to establish a balance between the two poles of public interest protection – both the need for renewable energy production and the protection of the unique character of the South Bohemian landscape.
From Exploration Well to Integrated Energy Systems: Geothermal Project in Litoměřice, by Veronika Slavíková
The idea of using geothermal energy has been developed in Litoměřice since the beginning of the millennium. The city’s original plan to build only a new renewable energy source for district heating gradually evolved, expanding the project through a partnership with Charles University. In 2019, the unique RINGEN research centre was established on the site of the former Jiří of Poděbrady military Barracks, forming the basis for the current SYNERGYS project. This project aims to bring the use of geothermal energy closer to practical application and integrate it with other renewable energy sources.
Revision of the Landscape Protection Strategy of the Vysočina Region, by Roman Slouka, Barbora Švíková, Marian Zapletal
The assessment of landscape character, the protection of which is enshrined in the Nature and Landscape Protection Act, is carried out with the aim of determining the limits of a project’s acceptability, whether it concerns specific construction activities or potential spatial development. In 2024, the Regional Authority of the Vysočina Region revised the conceptual document Strategy for the Protection of the Landscape Character of the Vysočina Region. The revision was carried out with regard to the placement of renewable energy projects in open countryside.
