The hot water pipeline from the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant to Brno is one of the key energy investments that will bring environmentally friendly, stable, and affordable heating to the city. Preparations for the project are currently underway, and the Ministry of the Environment has now launched a grant call to support its implementation. The call is open until the end of this September, and Teplárny Brno, the municipal heating company preparing the project, can apply for up to CZK 11 billion in support. The use of these funds is expected to begin in 2027.
According to Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík, the pipeline will have a major positive impact not only on heat supply stability but also on the city’s environment. “The project will save around 120,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to taking about 100,000 cars off the road. It will also reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides currently produced by local gas boiler operations,” Hladík said in an interview with Brněnský deník Rovnost.
Once operational, the hot water pipeline will bring heat from Dukovany to Brno, replacing the existing gas-based sources. Roughly 50% of the city’s heat will come from Dukovany, another 30% from waste-to-energy, and 15% from biomass – all local and independent sources of imported natural gas, bolstering the city's energy security.
The construction will also allow for centralized heat supply to eight city districts: Bystrc, Komín, Řečkovice, Medlánky, Bohunice, Starý Lískovec, Nový Lískovec, and Kohoutovice. This is not just about a pipeline; it’s about a comprehensive heat network across the entire area.
“The hot water pipeline from Dukovany is a model example of a modern, ecological, and self-sufficient solution that could inspire other cities as well. The goal is to move away from fossil fuels and strengthen domestic energy sources,” Hladík added.
The project is expected to be financed through proceeds from emissions allowance trading, which are now dedicated exclusively to decarbonization. The Ministry of the Environment has launched a special grant call specifically for the Dukovany–Brno pipeline project, through which Teplárny Brno can apply for up to CZK 11 billion in support. The Czech government sees the project as one of its priorities in the energy transition. The call remains open until the end of this September, and fund disbursement is expected to begin in 2027.
You can read the full interview with Minister Hladík here:
Brněnský deník – Rozhovor s Petrem Hladíkem