According to IEA experts, the Czech Republic has progressed notably in terms of energy efficiency measures since the last in-depth review in 2016, where the Czech government has deployed increasing number of public financing programs aimed at transforming energy toward greater use of clean energy sources, reducing energy consumption and decentralization. IEA appreciated as well the decoupling between economic growth and energy consumptions. However, the energy intensity of Czech Republic remains above the IEA average. IEA appreciated as well the establishment of Coal Commission or the achieved 2020 targets on renewable integration. The preparation of revised State Energy Policy of the Czech Republic that should be submitted by the government by the end of 2023 offers according to IEA opportunity to apply the energy efficiency first principle at the heart of Czech energy policy as well as taking account of other IEA recommendations.

A key challenge for the Czech energy sector over the next decade lies according to IEA in its preparation for the phase-out of coal from the energy mix, which still accounts for half of total domestic energy production despite its gradual reduction from 2009. The IEA´s Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol stated, “The shift from coal power to low-carbon alternatives must be done in a way that supports the people and communities impacted by the changes“. The Czech Republic will have to put more effort in reduction of its greenhouse gas emission, if it wants to achieve the target of 55% reduction of CO₂ emission by 2030. The IEA´s executive director Dr. Fatih Birol has encouraged the Czech government “To start making better use of the various low-carbon energy sources that can help it transition in a secure way to a cleaner energy system and power its economy for decades to come.”

The full report is available as pdf on the following link: Czech Republic 2021 – Analysis - IEA