The Largest Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Centre of Prague Is Now in Operation and Will Cover 10% of the Annual Electricity Consumption of the Prague Congress Centre
The new photovoltaic power plant on the roof of the Prague Congress Centre has begun supplying electricity. With its 2 080 solar panels, this emissions-free electricity source will cover 10% of the annual consumption of the Prague Congress Centre and thus provide estimated annual energy savings of CZK 5.5 million. The plant, as large as a football pitch, is a complement to one of the largest energy-saving projects in the Czech Republic implemented at PCC by ENESA from ČEZ ESCO.
“We had been planning a photovoltaic power plant on our building’s roof for several years. Its implementation is also a logical step as it is directly linked to the comprehensive energy-saving project already successfully under way at the Prague Congress Centre. Last year, the effectiveness of the implemented measures meant that we actually saved a whole quarter more than we have guaranteed. Generating our own electricity using the photovoltaic power plant on the roof will reduce our energy costs even further, and the operation of the building will be even more environmentally friendly,” says Prague Congress Centre CEO Lenka Žlebková.
PCC obtained a power plant without any investment costs, as these costs were borne by the supplier, ČEZ ESCO, which installed the plant for the customer and will now operate it. PCC will repay the investment through the price of electricity it consumes. At the end of the 13-year contract, Prague Congress Centre will purchase the plant for just one koruna and continue to generate its own energy.
The construction of a photovoltaic power plant larger than a football pitch in the centre of Prague was no easy task. The designers, for example, had to carry out tests on a sample of panels on the roof to prove that the reflected sunlight would not dazzle either people in the surrounding area or, for example, visitors to the Petřín Lookout Tower several kilometres away.
The EPC energy-saving project at the Prague Congress Centre is one of the largest-ever projects of this type in the Czech Republic. ENESA from ČEZ ESCO guarantees PCC annual savings of at least CZK 24 million. If the savings are less, the provider will cover the difference. Last year alone, the high energy prices meant PCC actually saved much more – around CZK 50 million. The total savings achieved in the seven years the project has been running are CZK 209 million, meaning a reduction in costs for electricity, gas and water of over 35 percent. The project also provides an environmental benefit, as CO2 emissions have also been reduced by 72 000 tonnes.
More information available in the press release of the ČEZ company.