Czechs to rely on nuclear power: ministry

The Czech Republic should in the future increasingly rely on nuclear power while phasing out coal power plants, according to an updated blueprint for the country’s energy strategy unveiled on Monday by the minister of industry and trade. The share of nuclear power should increase from the current 16 percent to between 30 and 35 percent by the year 2040. Minister Martin Kuba told reporters that the state should also halt massive subsidies for renewable sources of energy.

Environmental groups criticized the plan and said the country has a much greater potential of using renewable energy sources than assumed by the government. The blueprint will be now reviewed by the various government branches before it is discussed by the cabinet at the end of August.