Majority of Czechs want gradual phasing out of coal-fired power plants

The majority of Czechs support a gradual closure of coal-fired power plants, with almost 60 percent of people considering ten years or more to be a reasonable time horizon for moving away from coal, according to the results of a STEM/MARK survey. On the other hand, 30 percent of people have a negative perception of coal as an energy source. The government envisages a shift away from coal-fired plants after 2030. Over 80 percent of respondents said that the Czech Republic should remain self-sufficient in energy production. Purchasing electricity from abroad is seen as financially demanding by 75 percent of respondents, and about 70 percent fear that it could weaken the competitiveness of the Czech economy.