Premium AKUCAST: From Ancillary Services to Commercial Flexibility
The energy storage market is changing faster than ever. In this episode, Stanislav Cingroš (Delta Capacity/Delta Energo) and Petr Řeháček (SAF, AKU-BAT) focus on how battery storage is making its way not only into ancillary services but increasingly into the field of commercial flexibility.
You will learn, for example: what experiences Delta Capacity brings from European markets (Germany, Sweden, Finland, Benelux); why investors today are planning for larger battery system capacities than in the past; what role smaller battery systems can play in community energy; and how cybersecurity is shaping the future development of the entire sector.
This podcast was created as part of the preparations for the Aggregation & Flexibility Conference 2025, which will take place on October 7, 2025, in Prague at the Stages Hotel. At the conference, you will hear in greater detail about all the latest trends in energy storage and flexibility.
You can listen to the full AKUCAST on our YouTube channel.
30.9.2025 | Online
Czech Tech Talks #28: Jan Fousek – AKU-BAT, Battery Storage, the Green Deal, and the Future of Energy
In this episode, we speak with Jan Fousek, CEO of the AKU-BAT Association, Chairman of the Solar Association, and Board Member of the Czech Renewable Energy Association. We discuss his journey from DJ and radio host to investment firm owner and, eventually, one of the key movers in Czech energy and lobbying.
How did he cope with the unexpected collapse of a 7-billion-crown company, and what lessons did he take from it? Why does he believe today that energy storage is essential for the future of the Czech Republic? And how does he tackle the myths surrounding batteries, solar power, and the Green Deal?
We also delve into the controversies around the Green Deal, why the Czech Republic is among the most skeptical EU countries, and Jan’s views on current energy policy. Another topic we explore is the role of artificial intelligence in energy—how it is transforming trading, production and consumption forecasting, and where its limits lie. We ask why he never pursued a career in politics despite the influence it could bring, and why subsidies for photovoltaics are still out of reach for many.
You can listen to the full podcast on YouTube.
12.9.2025 | Online
Premium AKUCAST – Aggregation and Flexibility Conference 2025: Photovoltaics, Batteries, and Flexibility in Practice
In the latest episode of our podcast recorded at the Flexibility Conference 2025, moderator Petr Řeháček (SAF, AKU-BAT Association) speaks with Jan Srna (Enery), one of the leading companies in the field of photovoltaics and battery storage. The discussion covers where Enery operates and its most important projects, how large-scale solar power plants combined with battery storage systems work, the role of PPA contracts in the development of renewable energy, why aggregation and flexibility are becoming an essential part of modern energy systems, and how this area is likely to evolve in the Czech Republic over the next five to ten years.
You can listen to the full AKUCAST on our YouTube channel.
9.9.2025 | Online
Premium AKUCAST – Aggregation & Flexibility Conference 2025: Aggregation in the Battery Era
Flexibility is no longer just about reserves. A new era of activations, trading, and smart optimization is emerging, raising important questions about what this means for the Czech market and where we are heading in the coming year. In the latest episode of AKUCAST, moderator Petr Řeháček (SAF, AKU-BAT Association) talks with Václav Těhle (Nano Energies) about how the integration of European markets is transforming Czech flexibility, why revenues from activations and trading are gradually replacing traditional reserves, and why the future lies not only in aggregation but also in intelligent resource optimization. Together, they also explore how regulation and technology influence the economic viability of projects, and why in today’s energy landscape, quality and reliability are becoming more important than speed.
This thirty-minute discussion is packed with insights and serves as the perfect introduction to the themes that will be explored in greater detail at the Flexibility Conference 2025, taking place on October 7 in Prague at the Stages Hotel.
You can listen to the full AKUCAST on our YouTube channel.
29.8.2025 | Online
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