ČEZ Distribution freezes new wind and solar clearances

The Czech Republic’s two biggest electricity distribution group, ČEZ Distribution and Eon Distribution, announced on Tuesday they will not give out any new authorisations for wind and solar power to be connected to its grid. The moves are a response to the call from the Czech high voltage grid operator ČEPS last week for no new clearances to be given to the two renewables. It maintains that the grid could be overloaded and blackouts result because of the massive number of solar projects in the pipeline. Projects have been encouraged by subsidised tariffs for renewable electricity which are amongst the highest in Europe. The lobby groups representing the wind and solar sectors say the dangers have been exaggerated and the solar power lobby is considering court action against state company ČEPS.