On course for climate neutrality

Hungary is making considerable progress on the path to green transformation and is among the group of ‘climate champions’. This was stated by Energy Minister Csaba Lantos at a conference in Budapest on Thursday. Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 43% compared to the base year 1990. Another milestone is the goal of increasing the share of renewable energies in gross final energy consumption to 30% by 2030. The Minister was particularly proud of the fact that Hungary now generates 100% climate-neutral electricity at certain times of the year, which he described as a joint success with the population.

Key to energy sovereignty

The country’s energy sovereignty is largely based on solar energy. Its share of Hungarian electricity generation was the third highest in the world in 2023. The country currently has a solar capacity of 7.2 GW, compared to just 1 GW in 2010. 280,000 small household systems alone are in operation; the aim is now to reach a total capacity of 12 GW by 2030. However, this development also harbours challenges, such as the need for additional infrastructure development.

Energy mix for a functioning policy

In addition to solar energy, nuclear energy is another pillar of energy sovereignty. It replaces the import of fossil fuels and represents a long-term, clean solution. The Minister emphasised: ‘Without nuclear energy, there is no sustainable climate policy.’

But geothermal energy also has potential. It is predictable, affordable and independent of price fluctuations on the energy market. Hungary is one of the five leading countries in Europe in the utilisation of geothermal energy. An additional pillar is the production of biogas and biomass, which can compensate for weather-dependent system fluctuations.

Pragmatic approach

The Minister described energy storage as a serious challenge. The feasibility study for the planned pumped storage power plant should be available by the end of the year. In conclusion, Lantos emphasised that natural gas would remain part of the green transition and could not be switched off overnight. The government is pursuing a pragmatic approach in order to organise the energy transition gradually and sustainably.