Timmermans discusses Hungary’s energy and transport plans with Orbán’s cabinet

Hungary’s energy resources such as geothermal and wind could be made sufficient for the country to become “independent and green”, the technology and industry minister said in Brussels on Monday.

After presenting Hungary’s plans to European Commissioner for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans, László Palkovics said he briefed the commissioner on Hungary’s planned 16 billion euro revamp of Hungary’s electricity network which would be largely financed from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.

“The project is about green transition and digitalisation,” Palkovics said. The investment would lean on wind, geothermal and biomass energy, he added.

Hungary could produce more biogas than it does now, he said.

“We currently produce 80 million cubic meters of biogas, whereas we are capable of producing 1.5 billion cubic meters.”

At the same time, Hungary’s economy based on oil and natural gas would need time to transition to green alternatives, “which is why the country has taken a more resolute stance in the EU” on the matter, Palkovics said.

Hungary continues to strive to reduce its dependence on Russian exports and it will eventually gain independence, he said.

Meanwhile, Palkovics said the government’s decree on cutting the red tape for firewood production had been “misinterpreted”, adding that deforestation was not necessary to fulfil demand.

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