Energy Team in Prague Talks

Iran and the Czech Republic explored grounds for cooperation in power, water and renewable sectors in the first session of a joint energy workgroup in Prague.

In the meeting on Thursday, which was headed by Houshang Falahatian, Iran’s deputy energy minister, and Lenka Kovacovska, the Czech deputy minister of industry and trade, the two countries stressed the need to expand energy cooperation, IRNA reported.

The two sides agreed to expand studies on several fields and discussed construction and renovation of power plants, building small hydroelectric plants, water and wastewater management as well as renewable energies.  

Jan Mladek, the Czech industry and trade minister, who was briefed on the meeting, underlined the interest of Czech companies in boosting ties with Iranian partners in the energy sector.

Falahatian held several meetings with representatives of the Central European country’s energy companies.

Pointing out that Iran plans to add 5,000 megawatts to its installed power production capacity per year which is currently 75,000 MW, he expressed optimism that Czech companies would seize the opportunity and participate in Iran's lucrative energy market.

Around 62,000 MW, or 80% of Iran's total output, is generated from thermal plants that burn fossil fuels. In addition, 12,000 MW comes from hydroelectric plants and 1,000 MW from the sole nuclear power plant in Bushehr.

  Renewable Ties

First vice president of the Czech senate, Premysl Sobotka, paid a visit to Tehran this month, testing the waters for energy cooperation in talks with Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian.

According to Sobotka, clean energy is one of Prague's main priorities in collaborating with Iran.

Chitchian said that Iran is interested in expanding cooperation in renewable energy as the country will have a “fundamentally different” approach to electricity production in the future as it shifts focus on renewable energy sources, Shana reported.

"We are planning to announce tenders for several power plants with an output capacity of above 100 megawatts in which Czech companies can participate. They can also invest in waste incineration plants," he said.