AKUCAST: Permitting Processes for PV and Energy Storage in the Czech Republic
In today’s episode of AKUCAST, we take a closer look at the permitting processes for photovoltaic power plants and battery storage projects in the Czech Republic. These procedures are among the most complex in Europe and remain a major barrier to the rapid development of modern energy solutions. Recent legislative changes – most notably LEX OZE III and the new grid connection decree – aim to change this by granting projects the status of public interest, streamlining approval steps, and creating space for more effective cooperation between investors and municipalities. But what does this mean in practice, and how will it shape the future of renewables in the country?
These questions are discussed by moderator Jan Fousek (AKU-BAT Association) with Jiří Bím (AKU-BAT Association & Solar Association) and Ondřej Štěpánek (GreenBuddies).
Listen to the full episode now on our YouTube channel.
15.8.2025 | Online
AKUCAST: Battery Storage and Flexibility Aggregation
In the latest episode of AKUCAST, we dive into the world of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the growing role of flexibility aggregation in modern energy markets. Our guests, David Vodička from Bochemie/GAZ and Tomáš Mužík from Nano Energies, share insights and experience from a sector undergoing rapid transformation.
The discussion touches on BESS technologies, control systems, regulations, and economic aspects. Both experts highlight the importance of combining hardware, smart software, and responsive business models to stay competitive. Automation and fast decision-making are seen as key to future success in the flexibility market.
This episode is ideal for anyone considering investments in battery storage, exploring participation in flexibility services, or simply looking to better understand where Czech and European energy systems are headed.
Listen to the full episode on YouTube channel or Spotify.
2.7.2025 | Online
AKUCAST: Recycling of Industrial Lithium Batteries
This episode of AKUCAST, “Recycling of Industrial Lithium Batteries,” explores the growing need for recycling Li-ion batteries driven by the rapid expansion of electromobility, photovoltaics, and energy storage systems.
Our guests, Petr Kratochvíl from ECOBAT and Stanislav Cingroš from the Recycling Cluster, discuss the current state of battery collection and recycling in the Czech Republic, highlighting the lack of high-capacity recycling facilities in the country.
The episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the battery recycling industry as demand continues to rise.
You can listen to the full episode on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
22.5.2025 | Online
AKUCAST: Electricity Sharing vs. Flexibility Services
In this episode of AKUCAST, Alexandr Černý from the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) joins Jan Hicl from Delta Green to explore two key ways households can actively participate in the evolving energy landscape: electricity sharing and the provision of flexibility services.
The discussion covers the current legislative and technical framework, what to expect from the upcoming LEX OZE III package, and how energy storage fits into the picture.
Gain a practical perspective on smart home energy systems—covering technologies, economic benefits, challenges, and future developments.
Listen to the full episode now on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
7.5.2025 | Online
AKUCAST: Flexibility and Electrification in District Heating
In this new episode of AKUCAST, we dive into the hot topic of flexibility and electrification in the district heating sector. How can district heating contribute to decarbonization, and what challenges lie ahead? Is it truly possible to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources?
Our guests, Jan Krišpín (ORGREZ) and Martin Schwarz (EBW Solution), offer insightful answers—not only on the electrification of heating plants, but also on the potential of biomethane and seasonal energy storage. The episode is hosted by Jan Fousek, CEO of AKU-BAT.
Listen to the full podcast on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
5.9.2024 | Online
AKUCAST: Battery maintenance – to keep your battery working well and lasting long
Another episode of AKUCAST is here! In this episode, we compare the most common battery technologies, discuss the effect of charging/discharging on battery life, and describe the importance and types of thermal management of batteries.
Guests of this AKUCAST were Pavel Hrzina, CTU FEL + Solar Association, and Ivo Apfel, Tesla EH. Jan Fousek, CEO of AKU-BAT, took the moderation as usual.
You can listen to the whole podcast on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
31.7.2024 | Online
AKUCAST: THE GAS PACKAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY
In the new episode of AKUCAST we focused on current issues and challenges related to legislative changes in the gas sector and their impact on the development of the hydrogen economy.
Our guests were Matěj Kruml, head of the hydrogen section of AKU-BAT, and Štěpán Košař, head of alternative energy development in Pražská plynárenská. Together they discussed how new regulations and legislative measures will affect the future of the hydrogen economy in the Czech Republic, what opportunities and risks they bring and how individual companies in the energy sector are preparing for them.
You can watch the full podcast on our YouTube channel.
18.6.2024 | Online
AKUCAST: Smart control of PV and battery systems in homes
A new episode of AKUCAST is here, and this time it focuses on a topic we’re all interested in: Smart control of PV and battery systems in homes!
You will learn why smart control of PV is important, what you can expect from it, and what benefits it can bring you. Michal Hrabí, COO at SOLSOL, who is responsible for, among other things, the digitalization of SOLSOL and new services for partner companies, and Vladislav Martínek, a researcher at UCEEB CTU, have accepted the invitation to join the discussion.
You can listen to the whole podcast on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
11.3.2024 | Online
Battery storage sites in Slovakia
New episode of AKUCAST is out! This time we dive into the world of battery storage in Slovakia.
In this episode, we discussed the differences between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the field of battery storage, explored what projects are currently emerging in Slovakia and what is holding back the development of BESS. We were also interested in where our neighbours are further ahead in the field of storage and how we can be inspired by their approach. Our podcast guests were Marian Smik, Greenbat partner and board member of the Slovak Battery Alliance, and Radoslav Stompf, chairman and CEO of FUERGY. The host of the episode was Jan Fousek, CEO of AKU-BAT CZ.
You can listen to the whole podcast on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
27.2.2024 | Online
AKUCAST: HOW TO BECOME A PROVIDER OF ANCILLARY SERVICES?
In this episode, you’ll learn how to become an ancillary service provider, what it involves, what approach to take, what types of equipment you can use to provide ancillary services, when to approach an aggregator, etc. The AKUCAST guests were Jitka Hlavová, Director of the Thermal Technology and Energy Division at ORGREZ, one of the certification authorities, and Martin Kašák, Director of the Energy Trade Section at ČEPS. This episode is moderated by Petr Řeháček, Director of the Association of Aggregators and Flexibility Providers SAF, which is part of the AKU-BAT CZ association.
You can listen to the entire podcast on our YouTube channel or Spotify.
18.12.2023 | Online