Ing. Adam Kubín

This paper analyzes the implications of the EU Taxonomy, as the European Union (EU) instrument to mitigate climate change and reduce import dependency, for the European energy sector in the context of resource adequacy. Resource adequacy is assessed in the medium-term horizon using the case example of the Czech Republic (CZ) as a country facing a significant energy transition, as its resource mix is still largely made up of coal. The analysis is based on the country's energy balance and the available outlooks published in the energy concepts and strategic documents of the CZ. These outlooks are quantitatively analyzed and critically assessed. According to the current set of conditions for new resources resulting from the EU Taxonomy, there is a risk that in the medium term (2040) there will be no new resources, technologies and fuels available in the CZ that would comply with the conditions of the EU Taxonomy and at the same time cover the country's energy needs. This may lead to the situation where Czech Republic's electricity system will be inadequate in terms of generation and installed capacity sooner than would be the case if the implications of the EU Taxonomy were not considered. As a result of the EU Taxonomy, other European countries on the threshold of energy transition may face a similar problem and their energy security may be compromised. The results show that EU Taxonomy can have a significant impact on future development of European energy sector in the context of energy mix.