The First Climate-Neutral District to be Built in Prague

A climate-neutral urban district that will not depend on gas or coal should be created in Bubny-Zátory.

According to the study, it will use heat and cold from the planned Energocenter in Bubenč. The study on the technical infrastructure of the future new urban district in Bubny-Zatory was approved by the city council.

A detailed plan for the location of supply networks was also needed for the 100-hectare area. According to information on Prague 7’s website, one of the largest brownfields inside the city would use heat and cold from the planned Energy Centre at the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bubenec.

It will generate heat using wastewater with the help of high-capacity pumps.

“The Energocentre project uses the heat of wastewater that is treated on Císařský ostrov. Every second, three cubic metres of treated wastewater leaves the treatment plant, which is at a temperature of more than 10 degrees even in the coldest months. We have a huge opportunity to use this water to provide heat for up to a third of Prague. It has worked successfully for decades in Denmark and Sweden, and there is no reason why it should not work here too.” said Prague Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN).

The construction of the Energocentrum could ensure Prague’s independence from Russian gas. It could also be used for heating and cooling by the future Vltava Philharmonic, which will be built near the Vltavská metro station.

The infrastructure will cost 2.3 billion A brownfield for 25,000 inhabitants will be created in the area and when completed in 2040, it will offer 11,000 apartments for 25,000 inhabitants.

“Bubny-Zatory is the largest brownfield almost in the city center, which will offer a lively neighborhood for up to 25,000 inhabitants in the future. Its center will be the forthcoming Vltava Philharmonic Hall. That is why it is important to prepare all the technical conditions for its proper development in time,” said Ondřej Boháč, Director of IPR.

“The use of wastewater for heat production is one of the key projects that resonates even more strongly in today’s socio-political situation. This would create a self-sufficient and climate-neutral district in Prague,” he added.