Skip to Content
CEZ Group

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

CEZ Group is aware of the consequences of its activities on ecosystems and biodiversity. The strategy and planning take into account the principles of sustainable development and biodiversity aspects.

Any activity that could have an impact on biodiversity and ecosystems undergoes an environmental impact assessment in accordance with EIA Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended by 2014/52/EU); (in the Czech Republic Act No. 100/2001 Coll., on Environmental Impact Assessment), Council Directive 92/43/EEC, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds, the EU Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), and Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council on nature restoration. Mining as well as all significant generating activities undergo this assessment. The relevant public administration bodies, institutions, associations, and other entities described in the chapter Stakeholders of this Report are all involved in the impact and risk assessment. CEZ Group conducts consultations with stakeholders, which include obtaining feedback, engaging in project implementation in accordance with applicable legislation and corporate values, ensuring transparency of supplier selection procedures, obtaining expert opinions and taking them into account in further procedures, and ensuring support and feasibility of the project in a given location. The assessment of the impacts of CEZ Group‘s activities on biodiversity is also carried out as part of the assessment of ecological damage and as part of biological surveys conducted at our own locations.

By conducting biological surveys at the sites, various species of animals and plants have been detected, and, in some cases, assessed as protected species. These species are often tied to specific conditions of a particular locality. CEZ Group tries to protect and support these important areas to promote the existence of rare habitats and the protected species of animals and plants associated with them.

More information can be found in the Sustainability Report.

Targets for Supporting Biodiversity and Ecosystems

In the area of biodiversity and ecosystem protection, the following targets have been adopted by CEZ Group that are related to mining activities or mitigation of other impacts on biodiversity. The targets are in line with the biodiversity strategy of the EU and the Czech Republic:

  • applying procedures using current scientific knowledge and principles aimed at achieving a state close to natural with high variability with elements of replacement habitats ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and elements of the landscape left to spontaneous succession, as part of the ongoing reclamation of areas affected by open-pit brown coal mining, as well as in order to achieve the target state after the end of mining,
  • achieving a generally positive impact on biodiversity by 2030 (Net positive biodiversity impact by 2030).

To achieve a “Net positive biodiversity impact by 2030”, biodiversity action plans are being adopted in areas where biological surveys have assessed that biodiversity support measures can increase species diversity:

  • an action plan for supporting biodiversity at PVPP locations based on biological surveys carried out – the purpose is to implement specific actions to support biodiversity by 2028 (actions focused on the migration of small mammals and support for insect communities and amphibians),
  • an action plan for the implementation of a pilot project of ecological management in the protection zones of high voltage lines and in the buildings of 110/22 kV electrical stations in order to verify appropriate procedures for the development of biodiversity – the purpose is to implement actions based on the assessment of several sample locations (maintenance of woody plants, planting of low woody plants, establishment of flower meadows, or establishment of water pools) by 2028, based on dendrological, botanical, and pedological evaluation; in the event of successful implementation of the pilot project, the same will be implemented in other suitable locations,
  • an action plan for the safe landing of birds on medium voltage power line supporting structures throughout the supply area of ČEZ Distribuce, a. s., by the end of 2035.

Ecological thresholds were not used when setting biodiversity-related targets. The targets for supporting biodiversity related to mining are applied only to locations in the Czech Republic, as the Polish coal assets have been sold and CEZ Group does not operate mining activities in other countries. Regarding other biodiversity targets, the generating facilities of fully consolidated subsidiaries are only located in the EU and comply with the recommended and legally applicable EU frameworks, as confirmed during the data collection stage. Targets related to decarbonization activities and low-emission electricity generation create additional opportunities for protecting and promoting biodiversity.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Actions

In 2025, CEZ Group implemented a number of actions to achieve the set targets in the area of biodiversity. CEZ Group also cooperates with scientific institutions, universities, and nature conservation organizations and assumes voluntary commitments to support biodiversity.

Technical and biological reclamation of areas affected by mining operations of CEZ Group continued in 2025. Currently, 30.99 ha have been already reclaimed. Reclamation of landscape and establishment of ecological stability are essential for minimizing and eliminating the environmental impacts of brown coal mining. The key objectives of reclamation are the creation of a new landscape with the restoration of all critical functions in the restored areas and their integration into the surrounding landscape. Individual reclamation projects are prepared in accordance with the comprehensive remediation and restoration plans. The design of these newly created reclaimed areas considers the requirements of the stakeholders (communities). Natural reclamation methods involving spontaneous succession are also being used successfully.

Biodiversity protection and enhancement are subject to conditions set out in the mining permits under the Opening, Preparation, and Extraction Plans governing brown coal mining in the Bílina and Nástup Tušimice mines. The reclamation is fully in line with the Biodiversity Protection Strategy of the Czech Republic for 2026–2050 and the 2026-2030 Action Plan, which defines priority activities, tools, and means for the effective protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the Czech Republic.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Actions
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Actions Implemented in 2025
Key actions Site/company Implementation
Land reclamation after brown coal mining
More than 59,000 trees and 12,000 shrubs were planted as part of the reclamation.		 Severočeské doly a.s. 2025
Planting trees
Over the 15 years of the Trees grant program, 150,000 trees were planted with the support of the ČEZ Foundation.		 Czech Republic In progress
Rescue transfers of endangered species
Gradual claiming of land in line with the progress of overburden removal and dumping activities is carried out so that the overall intervention is gradual and animal species have time to adapt to changes (finding and colonizing new or newly created suitable habitats in the vicinity, etc.).		 Severočeské doly a.s. do ukončení těžby
Protecting birds from electricity
Actions to prevent injuries and deaths of birds caused by landing on the power lines supporting structures. Installation of safe brackets with a support bar or plastic protectors that allow for safe landing of birds. 72% of medium voltage power lines supporting structures are secured.		 ČEZ distribuce, a. s. In progress
Supporting peregrine falcon
As part of the support for the nesting of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), at least 206 chicks have been raised on high-rise power plant structures, chimneys, and cooling towers since 2011.		 CEZ Group In progress
Securing medium and low voltage power lines near stork nests
or relocation of nests located directly on low voltage power lines to an alternative location away from the power line supporting structures.		 ČEZ distribuce, a. s. In progress
Monitoring and protection of endangered plant and animal species (generally within new projects and at existing locations)
For example, in Tušimice, populations of endangered species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and plants are subject to protection, such as the common wagtail (Hipparchia semele), the common warbler (Sylvia nisoria), the green lizard (Lacerta viridis), and the sand silybum (Helichrysum arenarium). At the Severní lom (Prunéřov) site, suitable nesting areas for the river sandpiper (Riparia riparia) are being created and activities are managed with regard to its nesting period.		 CEZ Group In progress
Establishment of flower meadows (non-generating locations, PV plants, transformer stations)
Sowing of diverse grasses and flowers creates conditions for pollinators and small animals.		 ČR, Německo In progress
Implementation of compensation actions
Replacement plantings, mounds for reptiles, ponds for amphibians, fenced accesses, support for bird nesting.		 ČR In progress
Management actions in Tušimice power plant
Elimination of invasive plant species, controlled mowing and grazing of sheep and goats with the aim of stabilizing and strengthening populations of endangered species, especially the critically endangered Grayling (Hipparchia semele) and monitoring and evaluation of individual indicators of the state of the protected area.		 Tušimice In progress
Creating a suitable space for the rescue of the critically endangered crucian carp
The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is currently being displaced in nature by an invasive species of the silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Suitable conditions for breeding the crucian carp were created within the Ledvice power plant, in the retention tank of the process water treatment plant. In cooperation with a fishing association and based on expert consultations, further actions are being carried out, aimed at returning the crucian carp to its natural habitat.		 Ledvice In progress
Protection of the unique and irreplaceable habitat of floodplain forests threatened by the complex water management actions implemented. In cooperation with the irrigation system administrator Lesy České republiky, s. p., actions related to the transfer of surface water through the Hodonín power plant site are underway. In addition, the diverted surface water feeds the Podluží spring, a source of drinking water for the local community. Hodonín In progress

Details on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Actions

The ČEZ Foundation supports the development of communities in the Czech Republic through grant programs (Support for Regions, Orange Playground, NGOs – Professional Development of Social Care, Trees, Improvement of Hiking Trails and Running Tracks, Orange Crossing, Employee Grants, Helping Hand for Employees, and Fulfilling Wishes) and fulfills other goals (e.g., support and protection of the environment, biodiversity – SDG 15). The ČEZ Foundation also conducts evaluations within the announced grant programs.

In 2025, the ČEZ Foundation supported 2,354 projects with total amount of CZK 352.6 million, of these, 193 projects were directly related to the protection or promotion of biodiversity, and these projects received support amounting to CZK 23.3 million.

Further information can be obtained:

In 2025, technical and biological reclamation of areas affected by CEZ Group’s mining activities continued; land reclamation was completed on an area of 30.99 ha. Restoration of landscape and ecological stability are essential for minimizing and eliminating environmental impacts of brown coal surface mining. The key objectives of reclamation are the creation of a new landscape with the restoration of all critical functions in the reclaimed areas and their integration into the surrounding landscape. Individual reclamation projects are prepared in accordance with the Comprehensive Remediation and Reclamation Plan. In the design phase of these emerging reclamation areas, the requirements of the stakeholders (communities) are reflected.

Biodiversity protection and enhancement are subject to conditions set out in the mining permits under the Opening, Preparation, and Extraction Plans governing brown coal mining in the Bílina and Nástup Tušimice mines. Reclamation is fully in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy of the Czech Republic 2016–2025, and natural reclamation methods involving spontaneous succession are also applied.

The area of completed or in-progress reclamation and the area of newly covered areas in hectares is a metric for relevant assessment of changes in land use.

More than 59,000 trees and 12,000 shrubs were planted by Severočeské doly part of reclamation in 2025.

Further information can be obtained:

were accepted by the nature protection authority:

  • Succession area Pokrok on the Pokrok tip with an area of 3.6 ha, a technically non-reclaimed area left for natural regeneration in
    order to strengthen the ecological functions of the landscape.
  • Succession areas on the Radovesická tip with an area of 54.3 ha, with the preservation of habitat diversity in the form of
    elevations and depressions as a characteristic remnant after the hopper’s filling of the tip. The resulting varied fragmentation of
    the micro-relief created a whole range of different ecotypes for settlement by different plant and animal species.
  • Succession area Jarmila on the Radovesická tip with an area of 12.4 ha, exceptional terrain fragmentation and gradation of floors,
    which together create a very attractive natural habitat for wildlife and bird nesting. The location is also a popular refuge for insects.
  • Succession areas on the Merkur tip with an area of 32.4 ha, with the preservation of the ruggedness of the terrain, which are
    nesting grounds for a number of endangered bird species, while other endangered species hunt or gather food there.

Land acquisition associated with the overburden removal process is carried out over a long period of time so that the overall intervention is gradual and animal species have time to react to changes (finding and colonizing new or newly created suitable habitats in the vicinity, etc.). In 2025, there was land acquisition carried out across 30.68 hectares.

Before the mining process, biological monitoring of the acquired lands is carried out. Its purpose is to map the occurrence of specially protected animal and plant species. In the case of their occurrence, a transfer is made to the gradually emerging replacement habitats created in the restoration areas.

In cooperation with the Braňany Elementary School, a rescue capture and transfer of amphibians from the Teplice disposal site to a site near Mariánské Radčice was carried out. As part of efforts aimed at increasing biodiversity, Severočeské doly a.s. built nine new artificial pools and a number of stone and wooden elements to support the population of insects and small mammals.

CEZ Group places a great emphasis on protecting birds from electrocution and preventing injuries and deaths of birds caused by their landing on power lines. Therefore, this impact was identified as material in the impact analysis.

A mitigation measure is the installation of safe brackets with a support bar or plastic protectors that allow birds to land safely. This type of protection is used in the reconstruction or construction of new high voltage lines.

In the distribution system of ČEZ Distribuce 1,022 existing high voltage power line support points out of a total of approximately 476,000 high voltage support points were equipped with protective elements in 2024, of which 72% are now safe for birds. In 2024, CZK 0.8 million were spent on bird protection. ČEZ Distribuce also monitors stork nests located on the distribution system installations. The nests are removed and transferred to safer places in collaboration with regional authorities and the Czech Society for Ornithology. The support point is then fitted with a barrier to prevent the stork from returning. If nest removal is not possible, the wires around the nest are insulated to prevent storks’ injury or death by electrocution.

Further information can be obtained:

In 2025, the success story of support for the nesting of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) continued at CEZ Group sites. Since 2011, when the first falcon nesting box in the Czech Republic was placed on the cooling tower of the Tušimice power plant, at least 206 chicks have been raised on high-rise power plant structures, chimneys, and cooling towers.

Further information can be obtained:

An important area, where monitoring and protection of endangered plants and animal species is carried out, is the former Tušimice ash deposit area. The presence of endangered species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and plants (Hipparchia semele, Sylvia nisoria, Lacerta viridis, Helichrysum arenarium) is a subject of protection in this area. The aim of protection is to stabilize and strengthen the populations of threatened species and to maintain or increase the potential of the area for permanently occurring species on the Red List of Threatened Species of the Czech Republic. In this area, CEZ Group provides contractual protection pursuant to Act No. 114/1992 Coll., on Nature and Landscape Protection, eliminating invasive plant species, controlled mowing and grazing by sheep and goats in order to maintain optimal conditions for the redshank population and, last but not least, the monitoring and evaluation of individual indicators of the
protected area.

CEZ Group also addresses threatened species in the Severní lom site of the Prunéřov power plant, where suitable nesting sites for the river sandpiper (Riparia riparia) are created and activities are managed with regard to the nesting period of this species.

A suitable space has been created within the Ledvice power plant for the rescue of the critically endangered common crucian carp (Carassius carassius), which is currently being displaced in nature by the invasive species crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Suitable conditions for breeding the crucian carp were created in the retention tank of the power plant’s technological water treatment plant. In cooperation with a fishing association, genetically pure individuals, unaffected by crossing with the invasive species, suitable for breeding, found near the Ledvice power plant, were secured. In order to assess the health of the population and its growth,regular control catches are carried out. Based on expert advice, a suitable time for harvesting and returning the bream
to its natural habitat will be determined.

CEZ Group also cooperates with the irrigation system administrator Lesy České republiky s.p. and, by diverting surface water through the area of the Hodonín power plant, it contributes to the protection of the unique and irreplaceable habitat of alluvial forests in the Czech Republic, threatened by previous complex water management actions. In addition, the diverted surface water subsidizes the Podluží spring, a source of drinking water for the local community.

Further information can be obtained: