Czech Republic

Vodíkova strategie České republiky

The primary focus of the strategy is on the development of RFNBO hydrogen to meet REDIII targets. However, due to limited renewable resources in the country, importance is also placed in low-carbon hydrogen from nuclear. The strategy focuses on three stages local islands (2023-2030), global bridges (2027-2050) and new technologies (2040-2060). Priorities during the first stage are the development of local production, setting the transmission system and establishment of hydrogen valleys. In the second phase, the focus is on enabling imports of renewable hydrogen, lowering the price of hydrogen. In the last phase, it is on new technologies to produce hydrogen.

PRODUCTION

The focus is to deploy at least 400 MW of electrolysis capacity by 2030, maximising construction before 2027 to take advantage of relaxed RFNBO delegated act rules. Enabling measures include simplification of permitting in combination with deployment of wind and solar power. Foreseen are also investment and OPEX support to lower price of hydrogen to approximately EUR8/kg or lower in 2030. The REDIII RFNBO targets are to be met with local production.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

The focus is on repurposing of transmission system to enable imports of renewable hydrogen post-2030, as well as preparation for repurposing of distribution systems is ongoing following the first stage. Regarding storage, the aim is to put the conditions for building or purchasing seasonal hydrogen storage. Currently gas transmission system can handle 5% of blending.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research will focus on hydrogen production from waste and CCS. In relation to transmission, distribution and storage, the focus will be on compressors, composite materials and large-scale storage. For end-uses priorities will be mobility sector and hydrogen use as raw material. Cross-cutting research will focus on ecosystem, as well as cogeneration, end-use appliances and FCEV vehicles.

TRADE

For imports, priority is development of imports of RFNBO and low-carbon hydrogen at stable prices. On the export side, it is on internationalisation of Czech companies and exports of technology solutions.

CROSS-CUTTING

Key objectives are development of comprehensive legal framework transposing Fit for 55 into national law as soon as possible and support of hydrogen valleys. On skills and public awareness, the goal is to increase the number of hydrogen technology experts and improving acceptance of hydrogen technologies.

END-USES

Mobility

Focus is on introducing hydrogen directly to the market via HRS, to fulfil REDIII targets. RFNBOs will also be used to produce conventional fuels in refineries, but this is limited due to availability of RFNBO hydrogen. E-fuels are expected by 2030, mostly in aviation. 

Industry

Priority is to set the rules to create demand for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in industry to achieve REDIII targets.

Heat

Hydrogen for heating is considered mainly for high temperature uses or to limited extent in cogeneration in winter months. An analysis of the use in households will be carried out following the process of adapting the distribution grid to transport hydrogen. 

Energy

Hydrogen through storage can have a role an increasing role for the stability of the electricity system.