the National Theater in Prague

The National Theater Uses Green Technologies

Management of the National Theater in Prague confirmed their intention to become on of the major country’s producer and simultaneously user of solar energy. Now the solar batteries are being constructed on the roof of the Czech Opera’s Alma Mater. According to Miroslav Ruzicka, a deputy technical director of the National Theater, the solar power station is to be operational since the middle of November this year.

Solar power plants are a part of the comprehensive “green” project that the Theatre’s management launched a few years ago. Mr. Ruzicka reported that the long-term goal of this project is cutting energy costs in all the buildings that belong to the National Theater. Using of solar energy will make possible to save millions CZK per year. Only during the last year running green initiatives allowed to save more than CZK 4 mln which is CZK 2 mln more than expected.

New solar batteries placed on the roof are bigger and more powerful than old photovoltaic panels on the building. One more advantage of such system among the improved energy efficiency is significant reducing of carbon dioxide and other emissions. Miroslav Ruzicka commented: "We killed two birds with one stone."

Guaranteed lifespan of such power plants is thirty years. According to the National Theater’s management costs of implementation shall pay off within fifteen years. After this period the Theatre will be able to save significant amount of money for the rest of the power plant’s lifetime making possible further investments into optimization of the Theatre’s everyday functioning.

Photo: the National Theater in Prague, by Aktron (wikimedia.org)

Date: 06/10/2009