Activities
Litoměřice's approach to the local energy transition is twofold, consisting of incentives for small-scale renewable energy applications on the one hand and a large investment in geothermal heat and energy production on the other.
Coal-fired water boilers had been phased out and replaced with gas-fired boilers in the 1990s. When gas prices rose, people were inclined to use coal again which would bring back smog. Thus, in the year 2000, the municipal government introduced a subsidy to apartment or hose owners willing to replace coal boilers with solar water heaters who could combine it with state grants. The council has suppoted the development of small hydro power plants (8.7 MW) and has installed solar thermal as well as photovoltaic systems on public buildings (1,216 MW). At the larger scale, Litoměřice's town council has decided to exploit geothermal energy. Based on an in-depth territorial analysis, preparations for an ambitious geothermal heat and electricity production plant with an output up to 40 MWt and 5 MWe were launched in 2008.
Results
As the geothermal power plant is not finished due to financial and other constraints, Litoměřice continues to rely on coal-fired plants for most of its energy needs and the goal of 100% renewable energy is still far away. However, the town's gradual appraoch to promote clean energy has yielded several positive impacts. Litoměřice's SWH subsidy programme has earned the city nationwide attention. Litoměřice won several awards in the Czech Solar league at the European RES Champions League (2010). In 2014, around 5% of households had installed SWHs (1750 m2 in total).
Inspired by local support programs in neighboring Germany, Litoměřice's approach is now inspiring other cities. Together with three other Czech cities, Litoměřice set up a municipal energy manager association in November 2014.