Dlouhé Stráně I Hydroelectric Power Plant, Czech Republic

Dlouhé Stráně I is a hydroelectric power plant located in the Czech Republic, with an installed capacity of 650 MW. Operated by CEZ Group, the facility is a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant, playing a critical role in grid stability and peak load management. It is situated in the Hrubý Jeseník mountain range, near the town of Loučná nad Desnou. The plant utilizes two reversible turbine-generator units, each with a capacity of 325 MW, and operates between an upper and lower reservoir. The upper reservoir is an artificial lake at an elevation of 1,350 meters, while the lower reservoir is on the Divoká Desná River. This configuration allows the plant to store energy by pumping water uphill during low demand and generating electricity during peak periods. As a key asset in the Czech Republic's energy infrastructure, Dlouhé Stráně I contributes to the integration of renewable energy sources by providing fast-response balancing power. Its operation supports the country's transition to a low-carbon energy system, aligning with European Union climate goals. The facility also serves as a tourist attraction, with the upper reservoir accessible to visitors.

The plant's operation involves water management between two reservoirs, which can affect local hydrology and aquatic ecosystems. However, as a pumped-storage facility, it does not produce direct emissions, supporting the Czech Republic's renewable energy targets. The surrounding area is forested and mountainous, with the plant located near the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area, which hosts diverse flora and fauna. Careful regulation of water levels helps mitigate ecological impacts.