Over the past 12 months, from November 2024 to October 2025, the electricity consumption in Hungary has leaned heavily on low-carbon sources, which make up around 62% of the energy mix. Nuclear power leads this clean energy effort, providing about a third of the electricity, followed by solar energy, which contributes a remarkable 23%. In contrast, fossil energy sources, including gas and coal, account for a bit over 19%. Interestingly, net imports also contribute close to an additional fifth of the electricity supply in Hungary. While coal generates only about 3% and wind energy barely over 1%, biofuels add a modest 4%. Thus, Hungary's electricity generation displays a strong inclination towards low-carbon sources, underscoring its commitment to clean energy.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hungary?
Despite this commitment, Hungary's overall electricity consumption has witnessed a slight decline. The electricity use per person recently tallied 4,922 kWh, a reduction of about 93 kWh from the 2024 record of 5,014 kWh per person. This dip in consumption contrasts with a positive surge in low-carbon electricity generation, which has increased from 2,735 kWh to 3,054 kWh per person, marking an impressive gain of 319 kWh. While the overall consumption figures might be concerning, the growth in low-carbon electricity generation is a promising development, highlighting increasing energy efficiency and a continued shift toward green energy solutions.
Suggestions
For Hungary to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, expanding current nuclear and solar infrastructure is a logical step. Nuclear power, already a key player, can be augmented further by looking at France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes around two-thirds of electricity. Similarly, solar power, with its already substantial share, can also be scaled up. Hungary might also draw inspiration from regions leading in wind energy generation, like Denmark and Iowa, boasting wind contributions of up to 60%. While nuclear and solar are currently more prominent in Hungary's energy mix, diversifying with other low-carbon sources like wind could round out its clean energy portfolio and potentially lead to even more sustainable sharings.
History
Historically, Hungary's shift to low-carbon electricity has seen pivotal changes. Throughout the 1980s, nuclear energy experienced robust growth, with significant increases in generation, especially the 3.6 TWh surge in 1987. However, the early 2000s presented challenges, including a notable decline in 2003, though recovery began shortly thereafter. Biofuels began making a mark in 2005, albeit modestly, while solar energy, rather slow to gain traction, has recently seen a dramatic rise, especially since 2019. Significant yearly increases have propelled solar to the forefront, culminating in impressive growth in the last couple of years—painting an optimistic future for Hungary's clean energy landscape.
