New Transformer Station in Brno Will Enable the Connection of More Renewable Sources and the Development of Electromobility

It took a total of 16 months to build the new transformer station of the distribution company EG.D in Brno. The company considers the CZK 400 million investment one of this year’s most important and largest projects, as it will significantly increase the network’s capacity. The project also included a new very high-voltage cable line with a length of 2.7 kilometers.

ACON Project in Its Final Stage: A Modern Energy Network Connecting the Czech Republic and Slovakia

The cross-border ACON energy project, which for the seventh year has been interconnecting the distribution networks of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, is entering its final phase. This year, the completion of all key constructions and technologies is planned. The result will be more reliable electricity supply in border regions, modernization of the distribution network, and improved readiness for the integration of renewable energy sources and the development of electromobility.

ACON Project in 2024: Energy Interconnection of the Czech Republic and Slovakia and New Security Technologies

The cross-border ACON project, focused on the modernization and interconnection of electricity networks between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, recorded significant progress over the past year. Key milestones include the launch of a new physical security monitoring center and the development of smart grids in both countries. The project thus reaffirms its crucial role within European energy infrastructure.

The ACON project connects Czech Hodonín with Slovak Holíč. It will ensure reliable electricity supply.

A new 22 kV interconnection of electricity distribution systems is being built between Czech Hodonín and Slovak Holíč. The investment is being carried out within the cross-border ACON project, whose goal is to ensure safe and reliable energy supply to border regions. Around the towns, 122 modern distribution substations with smart features have been built, along with dozens of kilometers of new optical lines.

In 2023, the ACON Project Launched Construction of One of Its Key Investments – a New Transformer Station in Brno. Nearly EUR 40 Million Invested in the Development of Power Grids

In 2023, the ACON project invested a total of EUR 39.5 million in the development of electricity networks in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Thanks to this cross-border project, which focuses on supporting electricity market integration, the modernization of substations and the installation of automatic control systems have advanced significantly. This year’s key construction is the new 110/22 kV transformer station in Brno, which will strengthen the city’s distribution network and prepare it for the development of electromobility.

Modernization of 300 Substations in the Czech Republic and Construction of a New Substation in Slovakia. The ACON Project Significantly Strengthened the Smart Grid Last Year

Last year, the cross-border ACON smart distribution systems project invested more than EUR 26 million in the development of electricity networks in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A significant part of the investments went into the modernization and construction of new smart substations and the development of optical lines. Continuation is planned for this year as well, including, for example, the start of construction of a new substation in Brno. Thanks to the implementation of smart solutions, the project is successfully advancing the smart grid concept.

ACON Project Representatives Presented Their Work at Two European PCI Seminars

Representatives of the ACON (Again COnnected Networks) smart distribution systems project took part in two European conferences. In Brussels, Belgium, and Beričevo, Slovenia, they presented the project to interested members of the professional public. The project aims to support the integration of the electricity market in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The Czech Republic and the Use of Renewable Energy? The Development of Smart Grids Is Essential

In terms of renewable energy utilization, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia rank at the bottom of the European Union. However, in line with approved climate plans, the share of so-called green sources in total energy consumption in both countries should gradually increase. A greater integration of renewable energy, however, is conditional on appropriate modernization of distribution systems. In this respect, the Czech Republic and Slovakia can already boast several significant projects.

Czech Republic and Slovakia are aiming for higher goals in renewable energy utilization—but smart grid development is essential.

From the perspective of renewable energy usage, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia lag behind much of the European Union. Nevertheless, in line with approved climate plans, the share of so-called green energy sources in overall energy consumption should gradually increase in both countries. A more significant integration of renewables, however, depends on appropriate modernization of distribution systems. In this regard, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia can boast several significant projects.

Domestic photovoltaics are experiencing a boom—and people find it worthwhile to invest.

Photovoltaics are experiencing an unprecedented boom in the Czech Republic. According to the Solar Association, a total of 62 megawatts of new photovoltaic power plants were installed last year—20.6% more than a year earlier. The largest contribution to this increase came from small rooftop installations on family houses.

Fast ROI and—thanks to smart grids—possibly soon even community sharing: Six reasons why investing in photovoltaics pays off.

Photovoltaics are going through an unprecedented boom in the Czech Republic. According to the Solar Association, last year saw the installation of 62 megawatts of new photovoltaic power plants—20.6% more than the previous year. Small rooftop systems on private houses played the biggest part in this growth. Homeowners are motivated to purchase panels by rising energy prices and the desire for energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, with the development of smart grids, small producers will also be able to resell energy back to the grid, thereby partially recouping their investment in photovoltaics.

Representatives of European agency CINEA visited the cross-border smart distribution systems project ACON.

Representatives of the CINEA agency, which plays a key role in the European Green Deal, visited southern Moravia and western Slovakia in May. They were able to see with their own eyes how work on the ACON project is progressing. The project aims to modernize distribution systems managed by EG.D and Západoslovenská distribučná according to Smart Grid standards.

The European agency has inspected the ACON distribution system modernization project.

Representatives of the CINEA agency (The European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) visited southern Moravia and western Slovakia, where the ACON project is underway with the goal of modernizing the distribution systems of EG.D and ZSD to smart grid standards.

Representatives of the European agency CINEA visited the cross-border ACON smart distribution systems project.

Representatives of the CINEA agency, which plays a key role in the European Green Deal, visited southern Moravia and western Slovakia in May. They witnessed first-hand the progress of work on the ACON project, whose objective is the modernization of distribution systems under the management of EG.D and Západoslovenská distribučná to Smart Grid standards.

Project of smart grids continues.

Representatives of the CINEA agency, which plays a central role in the European Green Deal, visited southern Moravia and western Slovakia in May. They saw for themselves how the ACON project continues to progress: its goal is the modernization of distribution systems managed by EG.D and Západoslovenská distribučná to Smart Grid standards.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) means enabling bidirectional charging.

With the rise of electromobility, energy companies have another tool to counter network fluctuations caused by peak demand and uneven renewable energy supply. Thanks to bidirectional charging-discharging capability, electric vehicles will be able to send electricity back to the grid. Some automakers have already introduced V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) systems into their models; others are testing them. In the Czech Republic, utilization of this technology in the coming years will be enabled by the modernization of distribution systems to Smart Grid standards.

The cross-border intelligent distribution systems project ACON.

As part of the ACON project, which has been ongoing since 2018, preparations for a new substation near Brno are being finalized in the Czech Republic, while in Slovakia key station infrastructure is being built near the village of Borský Svätý Jur. This shows that this demanding cross-border project is progressing successfully—here are the latest details straight from the source.

Projects of Common Interest Are Helping to Transform the Energy Sector. The Czech Republic and Slovakia Have Three Smart Grids Projects on the List

Faster approval processes and the opportunity to apply for financing from European Union instruments are the key benefits of being included on the list of Projects of Common Interest, which brings together European energy projects of cross-border importance. On the fifth list published by the European Commission, there are 98 projects in total, including five Smart Grids projects. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are involved in three of them.

Czech Smart Grids Projects Are Not Bad at All. The EU Supports Them

Faster approval processes and the possibility to apply for financing from European Union instruments—these are the key benefits of being included on the list of Projects of Common Interest, which brings together European energy projects of cross-border importance. On the recently published fifth list by the European Commission, there are 98 projects in total, five of which are smart grids projects. These are electricity networks that, in addition to transmitting power, also provide data communication. This enables monitoring, control, and active management of energy consumption.

Projects of Common Interest Are Helping to Transform the Energy Sector. The Czech Republic and Slovakia Have Three Smart Grids Projects on the List

Faster approval processes and the possibility to apply for financing from European Union instruments—these are the key benefits of being included on the list of Projects of Common Interest, which brings together European energy projects of cross-border significance. On the fifth list published by the European Commission, there are 98 projects in total, including five Smart Grids projects. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are involved in three of them.

The Czech Republic and the Use of Renewable Energy? The Development of Smart Grids Is Essential

In terms of renewable energy utilization, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia are at the bottom of the European Union. However, in line with approved climate plans, the share of so-called green sources in total energy consumption in both countries should gradually increase. More extensive integration of renewables, however, depends on the appropriate modernization of distribution systems. In this respect, the Czech Republic and Slovakia can already point to several significant projects.

The Number of Corporate Photovoltaic Solutions Is Growing. Modernization of Distribution Systems Will Facilitate Further Connections

In the Czech Republic, 2021 once again saw year-on-year growth in photovoltaic installations on the rooftops of halls and in industrial complexes, and companies in Slovakia are also confirming their interest in solar energy. In connection with the sharp increase in energy prices last year, it is becoming clear that alternative energy sources can bring significant savings for businesses. This trend is expected to strengthen further in the coming years, supported by the modernization of distribution systems. By increasing their capacity and implementing smart control, it will be possible to connect more small electricity producers to the grid than is currently the case.

Czech Republic and Slovakia Lag Far Behind Their European Neighbors in the Green Energy Boom

Last year was a breakthrough for the European Union in the fight against climate change, as, for the first time, more electricity was generated from renewable sources than from fossil fuels across the member states. However, the path toward the planned carbon neutrality by 2050 is still long, and the EU-27 countries are starting from very different positions. In some, renewables are already an indispensable part of the energy mix, while in others their development is only just beginning. Who are Europe’s “green” leaders, and how do the Czech Republic and Slovakia perform in this respect? (...)

Power Outages Can Cost Industrial Companies Millions. Smart Grids Offer a Solution

Production line stoppages and the resulting significant financial losses—these are the consequences industrial companies may face during unexpected drops or complete outages in electricity supply. However, modern developments in distribution systems promise large consumers greater stability and reliability in the near future. This should be ensured by so-called Smart Grids. By integrating smart technologies, they can more effectively handle and predict power outages. At the same time, they offer a pathway to greater integration of renewable sources into the grid, thereby laying the groundwork for achieving the carbon neutrality targets planned for the future. (...)

The Reconnection of Czech and Slovak Grids Is Unique by European Standards

Greater security of electricity supply on both sides of the border, mutual assistance during planned outages, and support in crisis situations—these are the key benefits of the renewed interconnection of the Czech and Slovak distribution networks, implemented within the ACON smart grids project. This solution, unique by European standards, was put to the test during the recent devastating tornado. The 110 kV substation near Tvrdonice in the Břeclav region will, due to storm-damaged infrastructure, rely on electricity from Slovakia for several months. (...)

Electricity Prices Are Rising, and More Photovoltaic Panels Are Appearing on Rooftops

In recent weeks, many households have received notices informing them how much their electricity supply charges will increase. Starting in September, prices are set to rise by up to seven percent. It is therefore no surprise that especially owners of family houses are installing photovoltaic systems, supported also by subsidy programs. (...)

Smart Grids Recorded the Biggest Progress Worldwide in Europe Last Year. North America Remains the Leader

The development of smart grids is one of the key steps toward meeting the climate and energy goals of many countries and international organizations. North America has long been the leader in this field. However, according to the Smart Grid Index study, Europe overtook it last year in terms of development pace. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there are three cross-border projects focusing on the advancement of intelligent distribution systems. (...)

Smart Substations Significantly Reduce the Time Needed to Locate Failures. Thanks to the ACON Project, More Than 250 Will Be Added Each Year

Substations in the Czech Republic are becoming smarter year by year. In the distribution area of EG.D, more than 370 have been modernized over the past two years thanks to the cross-border ACON project, with approximately another 250 scheduled for upgrades this year. The main benefit of smart distribution substations for consumers is the significant reduction in the time needed to detect and locate a failure in the grid, followed by faster restoration of energy supply to customers. (...)

Smarter Distribution Systems Will Support Prosumers and Community Energy Sharing

In recent years, the number of households and companies covering part of their consumption from their own energy sources has grown significantly. With increasing pressure for a higher share of renewable sources, the importance of these active consumers—so-called prosumers—will continue to rise. Their broader participation, including options such as community energy sharing, will be enabled by modernized distribution systems. (...)

THE TIMES

ACON Smart Grids is targeting the major aspects of the development of Smart Grids. Based on smart technologies, new elements of communication will be added as well as an intelligent load management with automatically algorithms …

ACON Smart Grids is targeting the major aspects of the development of Smart Grids. Based on smart technologies, new elements of communication will be added as well as an intelligent load management with automatically algorithms …

The Cross-Border ACON Smart Distribution Systems Project Plans Investments of CZK 800 Million This Year

The ACON smart distribution systems project, developed through cross-border cooperation between EG.D and Západoslovenská distribučná (ZSD), faces a year of major investments. Planned investments will amount to nearly CZK 800 million. On the Czech side, CZK 26 million will be used to expand the capacity of the substation near Tvrdonice and to modernize and build another 250 smart substations. In Slovakia, a new transformer station will be built in Borský Svätý Jur. Further modernization of the existing infrastructure is also planned. By the end of 2024, this Project of Common Interest will cost more than CZK 5.5 billion, half of which will be covered by European Union subsidies. (...)

Smart Power Grid Will Cost Tens of Billions, Part of the Costs Will Be Covered by European Union Funds

An intelligent electricity grid will make it possible to regulate electricity generation and consumption in real time and will contribute to more reliable energy supply for end users. The catch, however, is that it will be very costly. As Pavel Čada, Vice-Chairman of the Board of EG.D, stated at the Economic Daily’s Round Table discussion, for the second-largest electricity distributor in the Czech Republic alone, the costs will amount to tens of billions of crowns. Part of the costs can be covered by European funds, adds Deputy Minister of Industry Marian Piecha. (...)