Teplo Chodov (Heating Chodov) is a municipal company established in January 2017 by the Chodov City Council to manage the city’s heating infrastructure. Located in Chodov, a town of about 13,000 residents in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic, the company ensures reliable heat and hot water distribution through a centralized heating system. It supplies around 200,000 GJ of thermal energy to the city each year, sourced from a nearby power plant that uses brown coal for electricity and heat production.
Once reliant on coal mining and industry, the Karlovy Vary region is transitioning to a more service-oriented economy as the demand for reducing emissions and moving away from coal grows. This shift presents challenges such as brain drain, where young people leave for better opportunities and limited regional innovation. At Teplo Chodov, they are dedicated to supporting the region’s transformation through modern energy solutions.
One of our key initiatives is the biosolar roof project at a local elementary school, combining photovoltaic systems with green roof technology. This pilot project is part of a broader plan to integrate renewable energy into the city’s heating infrastructure. The electricity produced by the solar panels will help heat water, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Similar projects are planned for other municipal buildings in the coming years. To support this direction, the City of Chodov recently developed the Local Energy Conception, a strategic document outlining energy priorities.
By joining the HEAT 35 project, Teplo Chodov will accelerate its transition from coal to sustainable energy sources. The main benefits include:
- Testing New Technologies: HEAT 35 allows them to implement and evaluate cutting-edge energy technologies suited to the region.
- Developing New Business Models: They will explore innovative business models for district heating operators, integrating renewable energy and modern management practices.
- Policy Contributions: They actively contribute to the city’s new Energy Conception and support regional policy recommendations focused on cleaner energy.
- Expert Engagement: Their participation in the HEAT 35 expert group enhances our expertise and fosters collaboration with specialists across Central Europe.
- Study Visits and Pilots: Hands-on experience through pilot projects and study visits will deepen their understanding of practical, sustainable energy solutions.
A key need for the future is to develop an energy mix for heating and hot water supply that combines, for example, renewable sources, geothermal energy, heat pumps, and peak-load sources, as well as other technologies to replace coal. This diversification is essential for reducing emissions, strengthening energy self-sufficiency and security, and supporting the region’s economic transformation.