Where have we moved since last year's Higher Energy and Material Security Conference? As the European elections approach, how do our MEPs see the situation? The debate will be attended by other stakeholders from industry and government. The conference will take place on 31.10.2023 at 9 am in the unique Green Table space in Prague's Florentinum. Admission is free upon registration.
We asked several debaters two questions about the current situation and their views on the issue of raw materials and energy security.
1. What do you think can be done at the moment to ensure the raw materials and energy security of Czech industry?
Mgr. Petr Hladík
Minister of the Environment
Both the state and the private sector must strive for the rapid replacement of ageing coal resources while moving towards a circular economy. Industry will need sufficient green electricity at affordable prices to keep up with European and non-European competition. Meanwhile, demand for electricity will increase in the coming years due to the electrification trend we will see in heating, industry and transport. In the area of the circular economy, it is important to use all recyclable materials. For this to succeed, we need to set up a good legislative framework and a system of economic incentives.
Ing. Pavel Míčka
Director for Ecological Transformation, Veolia Czech Republic
At present, we cannot do without strengthening nuclear energy. To this foundation, it is essential to develop and strengthen local energy sources as part of the circular economy.
Ing. Kateřina Kupková
Vice President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic
We must definitely pay attention to new raw materials that the Czech industry needs at present.
Historically, the Czech Republic has been partially self-sufficient in energy (coal, nuclear), but as decarbonisation progresses, the requirements for basic raw materials are changing. The situation was and is different in the import of oil and natural gas.
There are two levels to focus on:
- Commodity diplomacy, i.e. involvement in EU joint purchasing schemes, here a good example are the joint gas purchases that started this year and in which the Czech Republic and some traders have actively participated
- Enforce reasonable conditions for mining and production of new raw materials at home, typically for lithium mining and production of e.g. hydrogen by electrolysis, deployment and development of RES, etc.
Permitting processes play a major role here, and the Union has long fought for their simplification.
Ing. Ondřej Knotek
Member of the European Parliament
Massively initiate the development (research, construction) of new nuclear power sources, including modular reactors.
Adapt distribution and transmission systems to a higher share of RES.
To ensure the competitiveness of the Czech industry and the related competitiveness of coal-fired power plants. These should be supported at EU level until we have a comparable replacement.
Ing. Dita Charanzová, Ph.D.
Vice-President of the European Parliament
Continue to diversify energy sources - the Czech Republic has learned several important lessons from the Russian aggression in Ukraine and we must continue to draw on these lessons. Diversity of the energy mix has been and will continue to be the key to energy security, and in our case it is necessary to take care of the "core" of our energy mix - nuclear energy. Promoting nuclear energy across the EU is one way to ensure greater and more stable energy security for the Czech Republic. Greater efficiency in the use of currently available energy sources must not be left behind in the list of priorities.
Mgr. Pavel Drahovzal
Vice-Chairman of the Union of Towns and Municipalities
Above all, sufficient energy, raw materials and human capacity.
2. What is the biggest obstacle and obstacle in your efforts?
Mgr. Petr Hladík
Minister of the Environment
Climate protection has never been a very serious issue in the Czech Republic and unfortunately it has not found sufficient political support. Fortunately, this has changed significantly in recent years, and we see a fundamentally different view of the President on climate protection than was the case before. Czech industry has also taken a very active approach to the Czech Republic's climate commitments and is looking for new economic and environmental opportunities. However, it is still very important to explain the issue of green modernisation not only to the general public, but also to a part of the political representation.
Ing. Pavel Míčka
Director for Ecological Transformation, Veolia Czech Republic
Certain regulations, rules and statements are often counterproductive for a realistic ecological transformation.
Ing. Kateřina Kupková
Vice President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic
The lengthy and bureaucratic permitting process, the inconsistent approach of ministries and the very complex, sometimes impossible, inter-ministerial consensus, the adoption of a long-term industrial development strategy across the political spectrum to ensure a stable environment for the business sector.
Ing. Dita Charanzová, Ph.D.
Vice-President of the European Parliament
The decision-making process at European level is often complicated, hampered by an overly cumbersome system. I find it disturbing that a number of important proposals lack impact studies. The constantly changing political climate, where individual policies change faster than people and companies are able to implement them, also does not contribute to the effectiveness of political work.
Mgr. Pavel Drahovzal
Vice-Chairman of the Union of Towns and Municipalities
Lack of funding and human capacity.
Ing. Pavel Zámyslický Ph.D.
Director of the Department of Energy and Climate Protection and Deputy Chief Director of the Climate Protection Section
Sometimes it is not easy to find agreement at the political level on some key parameters. This prolongs the whole preparation process. The Fit for 55 package is huge and some parts of it have only been finally approved relatively recently. So there is a huge pressure on deadlines and the volume of work.
Would you like to attend the conference? Please email us at jitka.bendova@obehove-hospodarstvi.cz
