CLEW Guide – Hungary sees solar boom but remains dependent on Russian energy, fossil fuels
CLEW Guide – Hungary sees solar boom but remains dependent on Russian energy, fossil fuels c.kyllmann Tue, 31 Mar 2026 - 11:35 Key background Hungary aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 , in line with EU targets. In the medium term, the country is committed to a binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of at least 50 percent by 2030 , compared to 1990 levels. Emissions decreased significantly, by 46 percent , from 1990 to 2024, which means that the bulk of the reduction target has been achieved. The decrease was mainly caused by the decline of heavy industry following the collapse of the communist regime, the increasing use of renewable energy, the effects of the global economic crisis, and the warming climate, which reduces heating demand. Energy consumption per capita is below the EU average. Hungary aims to increase the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption to at least 30 percent by 2030. In 2024, this share was 18 percent . The focus of renewable electricity generation is the expansion of solar power capacity , from around seven gigawatts (GW) today to nearly 12 GW by 2030. The country’s economy is highly dependent on crude oil and natural gas : they account for around 65 percent of final energy consumption. Hard coal and lignite mining in the country decreased by 82 percent between 1990 and 2021. Hungary aims to completely phase out coal and lignite from domestic electricity generation by 2029 at the latest.
Hungary is experiencing a significant surge in solar energy production, yet the country remains heavily reliant on Russian energy and fossil fuels. The nation's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with European Union (EU) targets, is being tested by its ongoing dependence on conventional energy sources. In the medium term, Hungary has set a binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of at least 50 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
From 1990 to 2024, Hungary's emissions decreased by 46 percent. This substantial reduction was primarily driven by the decline of heavy industry following the collapse of the communist regime, the increasing use of renewable energy, the effects of the global economic crisis, and the warming climate, which reduced heating demand. Energy consumption per capita in Hungary is below the EU average, offering a foundation for further growth in renewable energy.
Hungary's energy strategy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption to at least 30 percent by 2030. In 2024, this share stood at 18 percent. The focus of renewable electricity generation is the expansion of solar power capacity, which is expected to grow from around seven gigawatts (GW) today to nearly 12 GW by 2030. This ambitious target reflects Hungary's determination to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and align with EU climate goals.
Despite these efforts, Hungary's economy remains highly dependent on crude oil and natural gas, which account for around 65 percent of final energy consumption. The country's energy security is further complicated by its reliance on Russian energy supplies. In 2024, Russia supplied 74 percent of Hungary's fossil gas, making it the largest supplier within the EU. Only Slovakia received a higher share (76%). The share of Russian oil and petroleum products in Hungary reached 48 percent in 2024, with Hungary ranking second in dependency after Slovakia (62%) and before the Czech Republic (24%).
Hungary's dependence on Russian energy has raised concerns about the nation's energy security, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. To mitigate this risk, Hungary has set a goal to phase out coal and lignite from domestic electricity generation by 2029 at the latest. Hard coal and lignite mining in the country decreased by 82 percent between 1990 and 2021, demonstrating a clear shift away from these polluting fuels.
In 2024, Hungary relied on imports for 49 percent of its energy, ranking 16th among EU countries in import dependency. This high reliance on external energy supplies underscores the challenges Hungary faces in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. While the solar boom offers a promising path forward, the country must navigate its complex relationship with Russia and diversify its energy sources to ensure long-term energy security and meet its climate targets.
Hungary's energy transition is a critical case study for other European nations grappling with the dual challenges of reducing carbon emissions and securing energy independence. By prioritizing solar energy expansion and phasing out coal, Hungary is taking significant steps toward a more sustainable future. However, the nation's continued dependence on Russian fossil fuels highlights the need for further diversification and strategic partnerships to ensure a resilient energy sector. As Hungary works to balance its climate ambitions with energy security, the country's progress will be closely watched by policymakers and energy experts across Europe.
