The Hungarian government has announced one of the country’s largest renewable energy investment programmes in decades, unveiling plans to dramatically expand wind power, electricity storage and grid infrastructure as it responds to the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the Danube’s record-low water level.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar presented the plans on Friday during a press conference at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, where officials continue to prepare for a possible temporary shutdown of the facility because of the prolonged drought.
Government plans 4 GW of new wind power
Magyar announced that the government has approved plans to develop 4 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity by 2030, roughly double the installed capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
According to the prime minister, the projects will be financed with private investment, while a public consultation on proposed locations for the new wind farms will begin shortly.
He said the previous government had effectively blocked wind farm development for years, adding that the current administration intends to accelerate permitting procedures through a new regulatory framework and the use of European Union funding.
Billions to modernise Hungary’s electricity grid
The renewable energy expansion will be accompanied by a major upgrade of Hungary’s electricity network.
Magyar said an HUF 868 billion energy development programme is already under way, while a EUR 1.5 billion scheme financed through Hungary’s recovered EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds will support improvements to the national electricity grid.
Applications for those projects are due to close at the end of next month. The aim, he said, is to ensure the power network can continue operating reliably even under extreme weather conditions.
Large-scale battery storage also planned
Alongside expanding renewable generation, the government plans to build 3 GW of electricity storage capacity by 2030.
According to Magyar, increasing battery storage will make it easier to integrate renewable electricity into the national grid while strengthening Hungary’s long-term energy resilience.
“We must ensure that Hungary’s energy supply becomes as independent as possible from both Russian energy and the water level of the Danube,” the prime minister said.
Budapest Airport joins national energy-saving effort
Meanwhile, Budapest Airport announced that it will voluntarily reduce electricity consumption over the next 10 days in response to pressure on Hungary’s power system. The airport said the measures will focus on reducing non-essential energy use, particularly during the daily peak demand period between 5 PM and 10 PM, while maintaining safe and uninterrupted airport operations.
Passengers using Terminal 2 may notice slightly warmer indoor temperatures during those hours, as air conditioning will operate at a reduced level. The airport added that it remains in close contact with electricity providers and relevant authorities while encouraging employees and business partners to conserve energy wherever possible.
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Shift towards greater energy independence
The announcements come as Hungary faces mounting pressure on its electricity system due to the possible temporary shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which has reduced output because of the Danube’s exceptionally low water level.
The government says expanding renewable energy, modernising the electricity grid and investing in large-scale storage are central to reducing Hungary’s dependence on imported energy and making the country’s power system more resilient to future climate-related challenges.
If you missed it: PM Magyar says Hungary enters ‘one of the worst energy crises in decades’, shares new Paks shutdown date
Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com
Given Hungary’s geographical characteristics and climate change, the development of wind power systems has limitations and environmental risks. It is necessary to conduct on-site investigations of local natural resources to determine the best solution. In the United States, wind power has been seriously overestimated and misused, resulting in less-than-expected effects. Lessons learned from the experiences of other countries can be referenced.
We should draw on China’s successful experience in wind power generation.
“Wind power”…
Jesus Chris, these people are demented.
Is that guy out of his mind?
There’s hardly any wind here.
Did Blackrock just let Peti sniff the snuffbox?
No matter what all these Russian trolls say here, the fact is that wind and solar power are great safe options to replace the unreliable and dangerous nuclear power. Big thank you to our current government for thinking the future and working on implementing safe and reliable alternatives to current outdated energy production.
Now thats really nonsense… wind power is very unreliable while nuclear power is not. And I’m not paid by the Russians. Maybe you are paid by a windmill factory?
Nope, nuclear power is not reliable – especially here in Hungary where we have to rely on Russian resources for nuclear power. Wind power on the other hand is reliable, even here in Hungary. Proven by science. (Plus we do not need Russian resources for wind power)
https://rekk.org/analysis-details/349/study-on-the-wind-power-potential-in-hungary
You can easily find many more similar studies to educate yourself.
And nope, I do not work for “windmill factory” (nor solar panel factory).
You love your own lies a lot !
The brother of moron Larry, called mr Ostanus.
“When the debate is lost insults become the loser’s tool.”
– Socrates
Bottom line is that investment in renewables is effectively free as it’s funded by the EU. It’ll generate SOME power, moreover, it has no fuel cost or local emissions. It’s better than leaving the money on the table.
If the investments prove to be misguided then it’s Dutch and German taxpayer’s funds being spent. The construction will provide a major filip to the Hungarian economy which is desperately needed.
Wow
There are certainly some uneducated people commenting on this post!!!
I am glad that you have come to that conclusion and not someone with a sound mind.
The average windspeed is 2 – 4 m/s in Hungary. This is not feasable. 4GW would mean thousands of ugly, scenery destroying 200 meter high bird killing monsters. But hey, the EU rules, right?
Just build some more nuclear facilities. Far more reliable and far smaller footprint.
It is feasible when most suitable locations are selected, just like studies have shown.
Wind mills are ugly and destroying nature? So uranium mines are beautiful and not destroying nature??
Oh yes, mining happens somewhere outside Hungary: out of sight, out of mind, right? So who cares.
Making Hungary more dependable on Russian nuclear resources would very unreliable and would destroy more nature.