AUTHOR: Lee B Clarke, Alessandra McConville
DATE: December 1998
PAGES:
ABSTRACT:
The Czech Republic is poor in energy resources except for coal. The World Energy Council estimates proved
recoverable reserves of bituminous coal and anthracite as 2613 Mt and recoverable brown coal and lignite reserves
at 3564 Mt. Coal accounts for 56% of primary energy consumption. Oil consumption is relatively low, reflecting
the small transport sector. Natural gas demand is increasing rapidly as gas replaces brown coal in heating and
power application. Links with Western European oil and gas networks have been established. Nuclear power remains
part of the Czech strategy, both for energy security and environmental reasons. The power and heat sector is
responsible for 72% of total coal consumption. Other major coal-using sectors include the iron and steel sector,
independent coke producers, steam raising for industry, district heating plants, and direct use of coal and coal
products for residential heating. The Czech Republic has experienced some severe environmental problems related
to the production and use of coal.