Why is electricity consumption increasing in Hungary?

In the last decade, total electricity consumption in Hungary has been increasing [ 1 ]. This is also true for several countries around the globe and this trend might be accelerated as the world transitions to low-carbon energy. Energy efficiency measures can mitigate the increase during the transition.

What is Hungary's Energy Strategy?

Under Hungary’s energy strategy, the government’s stated policy objective is to reduce import dependency. Hungary’s dependency on energy imports has increased over the last decade as demand for fossil fuels has increased. Despite greater diversification of oil supply, the country remains heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas.

What renewable sources are used in Hungary?

Another renewable source utilized in large amounts in Hungary is biomass. The NECP proposes a significant increase in solar PV capacity but no increase in wind power capacity. Wind power capacity expansion has been blocked by the government for more than ten years, a ban that is without reasonable geographic or economic reasoning [ 8, 9 ].

How has Hungary improved gas security?

Hungary has made significant progress since the last IEA in-depth review in diversifying its supply routes and now has six gas interconnection points. Another major development to strengthen gas security is the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Krk terminal in Croatia since the beginning of 2021.

Does Hungary have a nuclear power plant?

Hungary has focused on maintaining its nuclear generation capacity. Between 2012 and 2017, all four units of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) were granted 20-year lifetime extension licences, on top of the 30-year original design lifetime, bringing their scheduled closure dates to 2032-37.

What is Hungary's dependence on energy imports?

Hungary’s dependency on energy imports has increased over the last decade as demand for fossil fuels has increased. Despite greater diversification of oil supply, the country remains heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas. With little domestic production, Hungary’s import dependency stood at 87% in 2020.