Future of gas in Czechia: Necessary for decarbonisation and sustainable economy

Gas (both natural gas and green gasses – biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, hereinafter referred to as the “gas”) will play an important and irreplaceable role in reducing emissions, especially in the transition away from coal, as well as represents – in combination with renewable sources – a reliable long-term solution for heating and electricity generation. Liquefied gas (LNG) will also play a key role in achieving the environmental goals in reducing emissions in road freight transport.

The Necessity of Gas for the Czech Energy Sector  

Gas is irreplaceable in the Czech energy mix from several aspects:  

Flexibility of Electricity and Heat Production 

Gas-fired power plants and heating plants can respond very quickly to changes in consumption and are a suitable complement to renewable sources, especially when there is not enough sunlight or wind. Gas can be used for electricity production as a peak source, which can flexibly respond to changes in demand by quickly starting and shutting down. Energy stored within gas networks provides flexibility already now. 

Stable and Secure Source of Energy 

Energy security and the need to diversify gas sources are essential, especially in the context of the recent energy crisis and dependence on gas imports. The situation has stabilized thanks to the built infrastructure for the import of liquefied gas (LNG), which significantly increases independence from extraction from one specific country. The capacity of gas storage facilities represents more than a half of the current annual consumption of the Czech Republic, which is sufficient. Energy stored in gas storages has many advantages compared to electricity storage systems. 

Lower Emissions Compared to Traditional Fossil Sources 

Compared to traditional fossil sources such as coal, the combustion of gas releases fewer CO₂ and other pollutants. This is in line with the European Union’s goals in the area of reducing emissions and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. 

The Future of Gas  

Gas is an indispensable transitional fuel in the gradual decarbonization of the energy sector. It is crucial for the Czech Republic and its industry to ensure long-term price stability of energy, where gas will play an irreplaceable role, where adequate regulation, provision of strategic reserves and diversification of sources can ensure price stability of gas without extreme price fluctuations and thus strengthen energy security. Innovations in the area of reducing emissions and the advent of "green" gas (biogas, biomethane, hydrogen) will gradually reduce the environmental burden and ensure a more sustainable development of the energy industry and help the Czech Republic to reduce total and emissions and fulfill its environmental obligations.  

Gas is a reliable source capable of replacing the outages of renewables, in particular photovoltaic and wind power plants. In conclusion, it can be stated that gas will remain a strategic resource for the Czech Republic in the decades to come.

Josef Benda Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Operating Officer innogy Česká republika a.s. josef.benda@innogy.cz       www.innogy.cz