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ČEZ Group
View on WikipediaČEZ Group (Czech: 'Skupina ČEZ' České Energetické Závody) is a conglomerate of 96 companies (including the parent company ČEZ, a.s.), 72 of them in the Czech Republic. Its core business is the generation, distribution, trade in, and sales of electricity and heat, trade in and sales of natural gas, and coal extraction. ČEZ Group operates also in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey. ČEZ, a.s. is listed on Prague Stock Exchange and Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Key Information
ČEZ is the largest utility and biggest public company in Central and Eastern Europe. Its majority shareholder is the Czech government, owning 70% of shares. Its historical political activities have come under scrutiny.[2][3] According to the Economist, "though nominally state-run, many see the power flowing the other way: from CEZ's board into politics".[4] Capital Group Companies invested 2.98% into ČEZ Group. Since 2011, when Daniel Beneš became the CEO these calls have faded out.[5]
As of late 2010, the EU was investigating the company's activities.[4] Comments made by third parties under the market test have shown no need to materially change the commitments proposed by ČEZ to the European Commission in June 2012. Under the Settlement Agreement, ČEZ undertakes to sell one of five specific power plants with an installed capacity of at least 800 MW.[6]
In January 2013, Albania started a dispute by removing the CEZ license to operate in Albania. In June 2014 both parties agreed to settle a dispute. Albania will pay CEZ 100 million euros by 2018 in yearly installments, an amount roughly equal to CEZ's initial investment.[7]
In February 2013, Bulgarians began to mass protests against the company and two other foreign-owned power distributors, suggesting the government to follow the case of Albania.[8] All three were fined by Bulgarian competition watchdog. However, ČEZ said it had not breached Bulgarian and European laws and would launch an appeal against the ruling in court.[9]
In 2015, ČEZ scored first in Deloitte CEE Top 500 according to market cap and fourth in overall ranking [10] and was elected overall winner of the 2015 Euromoney Best Managed Companies Survey for Central and Eastern Europe.[11]
In March 2024, it was announced ČEZ had agreed to acquire a 55.21% stake in the Czech Republic gas distribution network operator, GasNet in a deal valued at €846.5 million.[12] On October 29 a report came out stating that the company has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce SMR to develop small modular reactors.[13]
Power stations
[edit]ČEZ Group is an operator of various energy sources. Most important energy sources are listed[14] (in the Czech Republic, if not indicated):
- nuclear power plants
- coal-fired power plants
- Dětmarovice Power Station (800 MW - 4 * 200)
- Hodonín Power Station (105 MW - 50 + 55) (world's third largest power plant fired by biomass List of largest power stations in the world)
- Chvaletice Power Station (800 MW - 4 * 200)
- Ledvice Power Station (330 MW - 3 * 110)
- Mělník Power Station (770 MW - 2 * 110 + 500)
- Počerady Power Station (1,000 MW - 5 * 200)
- Poříčí Power Station (165 MW - 3 * 55)
- Prunéřov Power Station (1,490 MW - 4 * 110 + 5 * 210)
- Tisová Power Station (295 MW - 3 * 57 + 125 + 13)
- Tušimice Power Station (800 MW - 4 * 200)
- Elcho Power Station (Poland, 220 MW - 2 * 110)
- Skawina Power Station (Poland, 492 MW)
- hydroelectric power station
- pumped storage plants
- Dalešice (450 MW)
- Dlouhé stráně (650 MW)
- Štěchovice (45 MW)
In 2015 CEZ operated 2,3 GW of hydro power plants in Europe and Asia, including the biggest pump storages.
- wind power plants
- Fântânele Wind Farm (Romania, 600 MW, the largest wind farm in Europe[15]
- solar power plants
- Mimoň Solar Park (18 MW)
- Ralsko Solar Park (38 MW)
- Ševětín Solar Park (30 MW)
- Vranovská Ves Solar Park (16 MW)
- other smaller energy sources
Carbon intensity
[edit]ČEZ Group has invested more than CZK 200bn in development and in environmental measures during its modern history to increase efficiency and reduce emission of its power plants. Today, the ČEZ brand represents energy producers or suppliers in a total of 7 countries.
| Year | Production (TWh) | Emission (Gt CO2) | kg CO2/MWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 54 | 34.7 | 643 |
| 2003 | 61 | 34 | 557 |
| 2004 | 62 | 35.71 | 575 |
| 2005 | 60 | 33.3 | 555 |
| 2006 | 66 | 36.26 | 553 |
| 2007 | 73 | 46.85 | 640 |
| 2008 | 68 | 40.38 | 597 |
| 2009 | 65 | 37.2 | 569 |
| 2010 | 68 | 38.8 | 568 |
| 2011 | 69 | 38.7 | 560 |
| 2012 | 69 | 35.0 | 509 |
| 2013 | 67 | 32.0 | 480 |
| 2014 | 63 | 28.1 | 446 |
Source: Annual Reports[16]
Electricity capacity and production
[edit]| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14,288 | 14,395 | 15,018 | 15,122 | 15,779 | 15,199 | 16,038 |
Source:Helgi Library;[17] Presentation for investors - August 2015 [18]
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67,595 | 65,344 | 68,433 | 69,209 | 68,832 | 66,709 | 63,124 |
Source:Helgi Library;[17] Presentation for investors - August 2015 [18]
Shareholders and stock listing
[edit]In 1994 a minor stake in the company was privatized using voucher privatization. If citizens invested all their vouchers (sold for 1000,- Kčs) in ČEZ, they gained 33 stocks (330 current shares after stock split).[19] In 2007 the Czech government decided to gradually sell another 7% stake of ČEZ on the stock market,[20] but due to the stock price fall during spring 2009, affected by 2008 financial crisis, selling was suspended. In 2008, the company decided to repurchase 9% of the company's shares.[21]
As of December 31, 2011, the Czech Republic represented by Ministry of Finance remained the company's largest shareholder with 69.78% stake in the stated capital.[22] Other shareholders included:
- Chase Nominees Ltd. (4.83%)
- Citibank Europe plc (4.8%)
- Private individuals (4.31%)
- Československá obchodní banka (4.17%)
The company is traded on the Prague, Warsaw, Frankfurt and RM-SYSTÉM Czech stock exchanges.[22] and since 2001 company is paying annual dividends.
In October 2024, ČEZ took a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR at a cost of "several hundred million pounds"; ČEZ plan to deploy up to 3 GWe of SMR generation capacity in the 2030s in the Czech Republic.[23]
Electric vehicles
[edit]The building of a network of public charging stations for electric vehicles got fully underway in 2011. The first public charging station – in front of ČEZ's headquarters in Prague's Duhová Street – opened on November 30, 2011. As of December 2011, seven CEZ Group public charging stations were in operation, in Prague and Chrášťany, Prague-West district.[22] ČEZ's given charities electric cars to use and test. Between 50 and 100 electric cars being made available over the coming years. The first two vehicles – a Fiat Fiorino Combi and a Fiat Fiorino Cargo – went to a senior citizen health care charity based in Prague.[24]
Influence on politics
[edit]ČEZ is the largest utility and biggest public company in Central and Eastern Europe. Its influence on the Czech politics and connections to Russia have come under scrutiny.[2][3] According to the Economist, "though nominally state-run, many see the power flowing the other way: from ČEZ's board into politics".[4]
The management of ČEZ has financed the country's largest political parties – the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and the Social Democrats (ČSSD). One analysis points out that the financing has resembled that coming from PPF and J&T, two firms which have been highly active in Russia since the early 1990s (for example, Russia was one of the first international expansion destinations of Home Credit, a PPF-owned lending company) and their senior management is known to have links to the former Czechoslovak StB security service and the Soviet KGB.[3]
In 2010, a Czech court ruled that, as a state-owned company, ČEZ must disclose political activities.[2]
Leaked pictures show politicians across political spectrum, including former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, holidaying with ČEZ lobbyists in Italy.[4][25]
As of late 2010 the European Union was investigating ČEZ. The company's offices were raided in November 2010.[4][25]
ČEZ was said to have selected a mysterious company called CEEI to construct a billion dollar nuclear storage facility for the Czech Republic. The company's paper trace ends in U.B.I.E, a company registered in Liechtenstein. Russia's honorary consul is named as its director. The company is believed to be under Russian control.[2] CEEI's directors include Václav Klaus's former chief of staff (Jiří Kovář) and a man who is jail for kidnapping.[2]
In 2015, ČEZ scored first in Deloitte CEE Top 500 according to market cap and forth in overall ranking.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "2022 Annual Financial Report" (PDF). CEZ Group.
- ^ a b c d e Czech Power Games: How Russia Is Rebuilding Influence In The Former Soviet Bloc. RFE/EL. September 26, 2010
- ^ a b c Czech Efforts to Reduce Dependence on Russian Energy Faltering by Jiri Kominek, Jamestown Foundation (27 November 2009)
- ^ a b c d e CEZ and Czech energy - No, minister. April 8th 2010. The Economist.
- ^ "Perspectives from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)". Perspectives from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "Market Test Results Confirm the Settlement Agreement between ČEZ and the European Commission". CEZ Group. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "CEZ Reaches 100 Million-Euro Settlement With Albanian Government". Bloomberg. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "Bulgarians Rise Up against Shocking Electricity, Heating Bills". Novinite.com. Sofia News Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ Staff, Emerging Europe (2019-11-13). "CEZ appeals ban on sale of assets to Eurohold Bulgaria". Emerging Europe. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ a b "Deloitte Central Europe 2015 Top 500" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-22. Retrieved 2015-10-13.
- ^ "Best Managed Companies Survey 2015: Press release". Euromoney. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "CEZ to acquire majority stake in GasNet". World Pipelines. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
- ^ "ČEZ signs cooperation agreement with Rolls Royce on development of small modular reactors". Radio Prague International. 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ "Energy Regulatory Office - ČEZ, a.s. installed power (31. 12. 2009)". Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "The Largest Wind Farm in Europe Goes Into Trial Operation". CEZ Group. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "Annual reports". CEZ Group. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ a b "CEZ at a Glance". www.helgilibrary.com. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ a b "CEZ GROUP: THE LEADER IN POWER MARKETS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE" (PDF). cez.cz. 2015-08-01. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "Kuponová privatizace: pokus, který nemá obdoby" (in Czech). iDNES.cz. October 9, 2006. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
- ^ Martina Lustigová (March 3, 2007). "Vláda schválila prodej sedmi procent akcií společnosti ČEZ" (in Czech). Czech Radio. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
- ^ "Stát navýšil svůj podíl v ČEZ. Na téměř 70 procent" (in Czech). Hospodářské noviny. February 13, 2009. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
- ^ a b c "CEZ Group Annual Report 2011" (PDF). ČEZ. April 3, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
- ^ "ČEZ takes Rolls-Royce SMR stake, plans to deploy 3GW fleet". World Nuclear News. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
- ^ "We Obsessively Cover the Green Scene". AutoblogGreen. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ a b Further Reputational Damage to ČEZ As EC Launches Third Inquiry Into Czech Electricity Market. The Global Insight. 23 September 2010
External links
[edit]- ČEZ Group website Archived 2007-02-17 at the Wayback Machine
- ČEZ Group Report
ČEZ Group
View on GrokipediaČEZ Group is a multinational energy conglomerate headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and the country's dominant integrated utility, focused on the generation, distribution, trading, and retail supply of electricity and heat through a mix of nuclear, hydroelectric, and emerging renewable sources.[1][2] Founded on 6 May 1992 amid the privatization of Czechoslovakia's state-owned electricity sector following the nation's dissolution, ČEZ has evolved into a major player in Central and Eastern Europe with operations spanning multiple countries.[3][4] The Czech government maintains majority ownership with nearly 70% of shares as of December 2024, ensuring strategic alignment with national energy priorities.[1][5] Employing over 33,000 personnel, ČEZ Group delivers reliable energy to 3.5 million customers while managing key assets including six nuclear reactors at the Dukovany and Temelín plants, which account for approximately 36% of Czech electricity production.[1][6] The company has pursued operational excellence in emission-free generation and infrastructure modernization, exemplified by investments in grid upgrades and new nuclear capacity to enhance energy security.[1][7] Strategically, ČEZ targets coal phase-out by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2040, balancing expansion in renewables and storage with sustained reliance on nuclear power for baseload stability.[1]
History
Founding and Nationalization
The electricity generation and distribution sectors in post-World War II Czechoslovakia were nationalized in October 1945 with the establishment of Československé energetické závody (Czechoslovak Energy Enterprises), consolidating previously private and regional utilities under state control as part of the communist government's centralization efforts.[8] This nationalization encompassed major power plants, transmission networks, and distribution systems across the federated state, aligning with broader Soviet-influenced policies that eliminated private ownership in key industries.[8] In 1969, amid administrative reforms within the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the unified entity was restructured into separate Czech and Slovak operations: České energetické závody for the Czech territories and Slovenský energetický podnik for Slovakia, maintaining full state ownership while delineating regional responsibilities for production, transmission, and supply.[9] These entities operated as vertically integrated monopolies under the Ministry of Fuel and Energy, with generation dominated by coal-fired plants and early hydroelectric facilities, reflecting the era's emphasis on heavy industry and self-sufficiency.[9] Following the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and the subsequent transition to a market economy, the Czech energy sector underwent restructuring to prepare for privatization and separation from Slovak counterparts ahead of Czechoslovakia's dissolution in 1993. On May 6, 1992, ČEZ, a.s. was founded as a joint-stock company by the National Property Fund of the Czech Republic—the state agency managing former communist assets—as its sole initial shareholder, effectively transforming the state-owned České energetické závody into a corporate entity while retaining majority public ownership.[10] [11] This establishment centralized control over generation, transmission, and distribution in the Czech lands, with ČEZ inheriting approximately 10 gigawatts of installed capacity primarily from thermal and hydro sources, positioning it as the dominant national utility.[11] The state's 100% initial stake ensured continued public oversight, though partial privatization via voucher schemes began shortly thereafter, reducing direct ownership to around 70% by the late 1990s.[4]Expansion in the 1990s and 2000s
Following the partial privatization through the first wave of voucher privatization, in which 27% of ČEZ shares were sold, the company focused on domestic consolidation amid the post-communist transition.[11] In October 2000, the Czech government resolved to offer additional shares of ČEZ and six regional distributors for public sale, aiming to reduce state ownership, though subsequent political shifts limited foreign involvement and preserved majority state control.[11] ČEZ shares began trading on the Prague Stock Exchange in this period, enabling broader investor access while the company invested in modernizing generation assets, including the completion of Temelín Nuclear Power Station's Unit 1 in 2000 and Unit 2 in 2003, financed partly by a World Bank loan and boosting installed nuclear capacity to approximately 2,000 MW.[12] A pivotal domestic expansion occurred on April 1, 2003, when ČEZ acquired majority stakes in five regional electricity distribution companies—Severočeská, Východočeská, Západočeská, Jihomoravská, and Středočeská—as part of sector unbundling required for EU accession, increasing its control over distribution networks serving millions of customers and integrating them into the ČEZ Group structure.[3] This move enhanced operational efficiency and revenue streams, with stakes rising to 97.7–99.1% through subsequent share buybacks.[13] Internationally, ČEZ pursued aggressive growth in Central and Southeastern Europe, leveraging privatization opportunities in accession countries; by 2004, under CEO Martin Roman, it outlined a three-year plan targeting distributors and generation assets in markets like Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine to diversify beyond saturated Czech operations.[14] Key international acquisitions materialized in 2005, when ČEZ won tenders for three Bulgarian regional electricity distributors serving 1.9 million customers, establishing CEZ Bulgaria, and a 51% stake in Romania's largest distributor, Electrica Muntenia Nord, covering 1.4 million customers, as part of broader privatization drives.[15][16] In Poland, ČEZ secured generation assets totaling around 810 MW, including stakes in coal-fired plants like Połańce, enhancing its portfolio with thermal capacity amid regional energy liberalization.[15] These moves, funded by strong domestic cash flows, positioned ČEZ as a regional leader, with foreign operations contributing to group growth despite regulatory hurdles and currency risks in emerging markets.[17] By the late 2000s, the group had transformed from a primarily domestic utility into an integrated multinational entity, though later divestitures in some markets reflected shifting strategic priorities.Recent Developments (2010s–Present)
In the 2010s, ČEZ Group maintained strong financial performance amid investments in asset modernization, including upgrades to nuclear facilities at Dukovany and Temelín, which supported nuclear output exceeding 30 TWh annually by 2019.[18] The company also pursued efficiency improvements in coal-fired plants, investing billions of Czech koruna in desulfurization and denitrification to comply with EU emissions standards, while beginning to diversify into renewables and energy services abroad.[19] However, as EU decarbonization pressures mounted, ČEZ initiated planning for coal capacity reductions, aligning with national strategies to transition away from lignite dependency.[20] Entering the 2020s, ČEZ accelerated its coal phase-out, announcing in May 2021 plans to reduce coal's share of electricity generation from 39% to 12.5% by 2030 and targeting a full exit by 2033, potentially earlier.[21] This included shutting down 600 MW of coal capacity at the Detmarovice plant in 2021 and divesting foreign coal assets, such as the sale of 568 MW Polish coal-fired facilities to ResInvest Group in February 2025 for strategic refocus on low-carbon sources.[22] [23] Concurrently, the group committed up to CZK 40 billion to renewables expansion under favorable regulations, emphasizing wind, solar, and distributed generation to reach 6 GW capacity in its 2030 vision.[24] [25] Nuclear development advanced significantly, with ČEZ securing a zoning decision for two new units at Dukovany in October 2023 and selecting Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) as vendor in July 2024 following a competitive tender.[26] [27] Contracts were signed in June 2025 after legal challenges from competitors were resolved, paving the way for construction start later in the decade and first operations around 2036.[28] [29] Plans also include small modular reactors (SMRs) with over 1 GW capacity and lifetime extensions for existing plants to bolster zero-emission baseload power.[30] These initiatives, funded partly by divestment proceeds and robust EBITDA—such as CZK 3.9 billion from the 2024 Gasnet acquisition—underscore ČEZ's pivot to a decarbonized portfolio amid sustained profitability.[24] [31]Corporate Governance and Ownership
Major Shareholders
The Czech government, represented by the Ministry of Finance, is the dominant shareholder in ČEZ Group, holding 69.78% of the stated capital (equivalent to 69.93% of voting rights) as of December 31, 2024.[5] This stake underscores the company's role as a key national utility, with the state's influence extending to strategic decisions in energy policy and infrastructure.[32] Among non-state shareholders, private investment vehicles predominate among identifiable major holders. Belviport Trading Limited, associated with Czech investor Pavel Tykac, controls 2.86% of the stated capital (2.87% voting rights), while Abaretia Holdings Limited holds 1.41%.[5] Other notable entities include Clearstream Banking S.A. at 1.39%, PPF banka a.s. at 1.37%, and Chase Nominees Limited at 1.37%, reflecting a mix of custodial, banking, and investment interests.[5] The remaining shares are dispersed among institutional investors (collectively around 5-6% in aggregated holdings), private individuals (13.03%), and treasury shares (0.22%).[32] [33]| Shareholder | Stake in Stated Capital (%) | Voting Rights (%) | As of Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic (Ministry of Finance) | 69.78 | 69.93 | December 31, 2024 |
| Belviport Trading Limited | 2.86 | 2.87 | December 31, 2024 |
| Abaretia Holdings Limited | 1.41 | 1.41 | December 31, 2024 |
| Clearstream Banking S.A. | 1.39 | 1.40 | December 31, 2024 |
| PPF banka a.s. | 1.37 | 1.37 | December 31, 2024 |
Stock Listing and Financial Performance
ČEZ, a. s. shares are listed on the Prime Market segment of the Prague Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CEZ, with ISIN CZ0005112300.[34] The stock forms part of the PX 50 index, comprising the exchange's largest and most traded securities. Shares are also available via global depositary receipts on select international markets, though the primary trading venue remains Prague. As of October 24, 2025, the company's market capitalization reached CZK 696 billion, reflecting a year-to-date performance increase of over 35%.[35] [34] In 2024, ČEZ Group recorded earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of CZK 137.5 billion and net profit of CZK 30.5 billion, the latter marking a 3% rise from 2023 levels amid stable energy generation and trading operations.[36] [37] Operating revenues for the year supported these figures, driven by domestic electricity sales and international segment contributions. For the first half of 2025, net profit stood at CZK 16.5 billion, with the group raising its full-year outlook to EBITDA of CZK 132–137 billion and adjusted net profit of CZK 26–30 billion, factoring in higher nuclear output and renewable investments.[38] [39] ČEZ Group adheres to a dividend policy emphasizing high payouts, typically around 80% of net profits, to reflect its utility-like cash flow stability. The annual general meeting on June 23, 2025, approved a dividend of CZK 52 per share (before tax) for the 2024 fiscal year, payable from August 1, 2025, yielding approximately 3.6% based on prevailing share prices.[5] [40] This follows prior distributions, including proposals aligning with a CZK 35–47 per share range under updated policy guidelines.[41]| Key Financial Metrics | 2024 (CZK billion) | H1 2025 (CZK billion) |
|---|---|---|
| EBITDA | 137.5 | Not specified (full-year outlook 132–137) |
| Net Profit | 30.5 | 16.5 |
| Dividend per Share (CZK) | 52 (approved 2025) | N/A |
Energy Production
Nuclear Power Operations
ČEZ Group operates two nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic, Dukovany and Temelín, which together account for the majority of the country's baseload electricity generation.[43] These facilities utilize Russian-designed VVER pressurized water reactors and produced approximately 30 TWh of electricity annually as of recent operations, representing about 40% of Czech electricity output in 2023.[44] [43] The Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Vysočina Region, features four VVER-440/V-213 units, each with a nominal capacity of 510 MWe, for a total installed capacity of 2,040 MWe.[45] Construction began in 1980, with units entering commercial operation between 1985 and 1987; the plant supplies around 14 TWh per year to the grid.[45] ČEZ has implemented power uprates at Dukovany, achieving 1,475 MWt thermal output in Unit 3 as of August 2024, with plans for further modernization of turbine halls to potentially increase electrical output.[46] [47] The plant's original license extends to 2037, with evaluations underway for long-term operation potentially to 2047 or beyond.[45] Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, situated in South Bohemia near České Budějovice, comprises two VVER-1000/V-320 units, each rated at approximately 1,000 MWe, yielding a combined capacity of about 2,000 MWe.[48] Units 1 and 2 entered service in 2002 and 2003, respectively, following delays from original 1980s construction starts.[12] ČEZ is preparing Temelín for long-term operation beyond its initial 40-year design life, targeting at least 60 additional years of service through modernization efforts similar to those at Dukovany.[49] Recent developments include ČEZ's pursuit of new nuclear capacity, with final bids received in 2024 for up to two new reactors at Dukovany from vendors including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, selected for APR1000 units in a CZK 407 billion (USD 18.6 billion) contract signed in June 2025.[50] The Czech government committed to a majority stake in this project on April 30, 2025, emphasizing energy security and low-carbon generation.[51] Additionally, ČEZ signed an early works agreement with Rolls-Royce SMR in July 2025 to explore a 470 MWe small modular reactor deployment at Temelín, alongside ongoing site surveys.[52] For 2025, ČEZ anticipates generating nearly 32 TWh from its nuclear fleet, reflecting improved availability and uprates.[53] These initiatives align with national policy to expand nuclear output to over 32 TWh annually while extending existing plant lifespans.[6]Thermal Power Plants
ČEZ Group's thermal power plants encompass coal-fired units fueled by lignite and hard coal, as well as combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facilities, contributing significantly to its baseload generation capacity. As of 2023, coal-fired plants total 4,322 MW of installed capacity, primarily located in northern and northwestern Bohemia, Czech Republic, with operations focused on lignite from nearby mines and some co-firing with biomass. These plants have undergone extensive modernization, including retrofits and the addition of efficient blocks, such as the 660 MW unit at Ledvice Power Station achieving 42.5% efficiency, to extend operational life amid declining coal viability.[54][55] Key coal-fired facilities include Tušimice, Prunéřov, and Ledvice power stations, which supply electricity and heat through combined heat and power configurations, alongside the hard coal Dětmarovice Power Station (800 MW) in the Moravian-Silesian Region. In 2024, Prunéřov I, an older lignite unit, was decommissioned after producing over 41 million GJ of thermal energy since commissioning, marking progress toward emission reductions; the site is eyed for future low-carbon uses like hydrogen production. ČEZ evaluates annual closures based on economic factors, with no shutdowns planned for 2024 but a potential full coal phase-out by 2028, accelerated by low commodity prices rendering coal uncompetitive against gas, nuclear, and renewables.[56][57][58] CCGT plants provide flexible peaking and intermediate load support, with Počerady CCGT (838 MW) in the Ústí nad Labem Region operational since 2014 at 58.3% efficiency, and Egemer CCGT (872 MW) in Turkey, commissioned via a joint venture, achieving over 57% efficiency. Early 2025 plans at Pořící Power Station involve replacing remaining coal capacity with biomass and gas units to align with decarbonization while maintaining heat supply. Overall, thermal assets face pressure from EU carbon pricing and national targets, prompting shifts toward higher-efficiency gas and eventual fossil fuel exit by 2030–2040.[59][60][61]| Plant | Location | Fuel | Capacity (MW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dětmarovice | Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic | Hard coal | 800 | Operating; four 200 MW units.[57] |
| Počerady CCGT | Ústí nad Labem Region, Czech Republic | Natural gas | 838 | High-efficiency CCGT; first in Czech Republic.[59] |
| Egemer CCGT | Turkey | Natural gas | 872 | Joint venture operation; >57% efficiency.[59] |
| Ledvice (select block) | Northwest Bohemia, Czech Republic | Lignite | 660 | Modernized high-efficiency unit.[55] |
Renewable Energy Portfolio
ČEZ Group's renewable energy portfolio primarily consists of hydroelectric, wind, and solar assets, with hydroelectric power forming the largest component. The company operates 33 hydroelectric power plants and three pumped-storage facilities in the Czech Republic, boasting a total installed capacity of 1,978 MW.[62] Including operations in Turkey, the group manages approximately 40 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2,267 MW, of which 97% are large-scale facilities.[54] In 2024, these hydroelectric assets generated 2.5 TWh of electricity, sufficient to meet the annual consumption of about 720,000 Czech households.[62] Wind power contributions remain modest but established within the portfolio. Since 2009, ČEZ has operated two onshore wind farms in the Czech Republic: one near Věžnice in the Vysočina Region and another near Janov in the Pardubice Region.[62] Internationally, the group expanded its wind capacity in November 2024 with the commissioning of the 11.1 MW La Piballe project in western France.[54] ČEZ has outlined intentions to expand its wind generation further as part of broader renewable growth strategies, though specific near-term targets beyond pipeline development are limited in public disclosures.[63] Solar photovoltaic installations represent a rapidly growing segment, supported by recent investments and development pipelines. As of 2025, ČEZ operates 25 solar power plants across the Czech Republic, Germany, northern Italy, and Austria, with a total installed capacity of 191 MW.[64] The company has commissioned nine new photovoltaic plants totaling 52 MWp since initiating its solar expansion program, with an additional 14 projects in development.[65] Further, 10 solar plants with 111 MWp capacity were under construction or nearing completion in 2025, contributing to an operational portfolio exceeding 178 MWp.[66] ČEZ maintains a development pipeline of over 5 GW in photovoltaic projects at various stages, including plans for its largest solar facilities on reclaimed sites of former coal-fired power stations in northern Bohemia.[65][67] To optimize operations, ČEZ opened a centralized control center in Málkov near Chomutov in May 2025 for managing its renewable sources, enhancing efficiency across wind and solar assets.[66] The group has committed to constructing 6 GW of additional renewable capacity by 2030, prioritizing solar and wind to diversify beyond hydro dominance and align with decarbonization objectives.[68] This expansion contrasts with historical underinvestment in renewables relative to thermal assets, as only 4% of recent growth capital expenditures were allocated to new renewable builds prior to accelerated solar initiatives.[63]Installed Capacity and Output
As of December 31, 2024, ČEZ Group's total installed electricity generation capacity was 12,067 MW, comprising 6,728 MW (55.8%) from emission-free sources and 5,338 MW (44.2%) from emission-generating sources.[69] This represented a slight increase from 11,943 MW at the end of 2023, driven by additions in photovoltaics (up 40 MW), wind (up 29 MW), and nuclear capacity at Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant (up 48 MW to 2,048 MW total for the site).[69] Nuclear capacity totaled 4,318 MW, primarily from Dukovany (2,048 MW) and Temelín (2,270 MW) in Czechia.[69] Coal-fired capacity remained at 4,317 MW, concentrated in Czechia and Turkey, though Poland's coal assets were divested effective February 2025, reducing that segment to zero MW there.[69] Other sources included gas at 1,011 MW, hydro at 1,981 MW, photovoltaics at 231 MW, wind at 198 MW, and biomass at 11 MW.[69]| Source | Installed Capacity (MW, end-2024) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear | 4,318 | 35.8 |
| Coal | 4,317 | 35.8 |
| Gas | 1,011 | 8.4 |
| Hydro | 1,981 | 16.4 |
| Photovoltaics | 231 | 1.9 |
| Wind | 198 | 1.6 |
| Biomass | 11 | 0.1 |
| Total | 12,067 | 100 |
| Source | Generation (GWh, 2024) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear | 29,695 | 58.7 |
| Coal | 15,197 | 30.0 |
| Gas | 2,047 | 4.0 |
| Hydro | 2,486 | 4.9 |
| Photovoltaics | 195 | 0.4 |
| Wind | 357 | 0.7 |
| Biomass | 641 | 1.3 |
| Total | 50,618 | 100 |
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Carbon Emissions Profile
ČEZ Group's carbon emissions profile is dominated by Scope 1 direct emissions from fossil fuel combustion, primarily coal-fired power plants, which accounted for approximately 98% of its Scope 1 emissions in 2023.[71] In 2023, total Scope 1 emissions reached 15.95 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e), a 12% reduction from 18.16 million tCO₂e in 2022, driven by decreased coal usage and the decommissioning of units like Prunérov I.[71] Coal combustion contributed 15.65 million tCO₂e, with minor additions from biomass (1.03 million tCO₂e), N₂O (0.16 million tCO₂e), and CH₄ (0.01 million tCO₂e).[71] Scope 2 emissions were negligible at 0 tCO₂e in 2023, following asset divestitures, while Scope 3 emissions totaled 13.53 million tCO₂e, largely from the use of sold products (9.34 million tCO₂e under category 11).[71]| Year | Scope 1 (million tCO₂e) | Scope 2 (million tCO₂e) | Scope 3 (million tCO₂e) | Emission Intensity (tCO₂e/MWh, Scope 1+2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.38 |
| 2021 | 19.99 | 0.14 | 10.52 | 0.29 |
| 2022 | 18.16 | 0 | 12.26 | 0.29 |
| 2023 | 15.95 | 0 | 13.53 | 0.27 |
| 2024 | 15.48 | 0.000028 (market-based) | 11.82 | 0.27 |