Initiating a conversation about energy communities in a post-communist country is difficult, even more so if the area is also in a coal region. In the latest episode of our SCCALE 20-30-50 podcast series, we bring you to Czechia, where energy consultant Michal Svoboda is taking up this challenge.
After a long time spent in the private sector, working for one of the leading energy player in the region, Michal decided to change path. He now works together with municipalities to promote locally owned renewable energy production. He also participated in the recent creation of the very first Czech Union for energy communities UKEN. We discussed the challenges of democratising our energy system, energy security, but also the importance of sharing information about what is possible and how to keep a positive attitude when change does not happen as fast as we’d imagine.