The district heating operator perspective Václav Král, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Teplárna České Budějovice

How do you turn a coal-based heating system into a carbon-neutral energy hub? This is what it looks like in practice.

In this talk, Václav Král, Chairman of Teplárna České Budějovice, shares how one of Europe’s traditional district heating systems is being transformed from coal to a diversified, low-carbon energy mix.

The presentation outlines a step-by-step transition strategy built on three pillars: nuclear heat from Temelín nuclear power plant, biomass, and waste-to-energy. Together, these technologies are replacing over a century of coal-based heat production while maintaining supply to more than 31,000 households and hundreds of companies.

You’ll get a practical insight into the real challenges of transforming district heating—balancing legacy infrastructure, industrial steam demand, and long-term investment decisions—while significantly reducing emissions and improving local air quality.

Takeaway: District heating isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a powerful lever for decarbonising cities when multiple energy sources are integrated in a coordinated system.