From December 2024 to November 2025, Hungary's electricity consumption saw a noteworthy composition favoring clean energy sources. Overall, low-carbon electricity contributed to roughly 60% of the total electricity consumption. Nuclear energy was a major driver of this clean energy production, accounting for more than a third of total output. Solar energy also played a significant role, comprising roughly an additional fifth of the electricity mix. When considering net imports, which made up a fifth of the total consumption, it's crucial to account for their energy mix to fully understand the impact. In contrast, fossil fuels formed a smaller proportion of Hungary's electricity consumption, with gas, coal, and biofuels together contributing nearly 20%. Wind energy produced close to none compared to other sources, underscoring its limited role.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hungary?
The trajectory of electricity consumption in Hungary indicates a concerning trend. The total consumption per person for 2025 was 4753 kWh, down from the previous record of 5014 kWh in 2024. While this decline in overall electricity usage might sound like an efficiency gain, it points instead to stagnation or reduction in economic or societal growth potential in terms of electrification. However, when we zoom in on the low-carbon category, Hungary has made progress. The latest low-carbon generation per person reached 2849 kWh, up from 2735 kWh the previous year. This increase signifies Hungary's commitment to enhancing its clean energy capabilities, though overall growth in electricity consumption remains an area of concern.
Suggestions
To advance its low-carbon electricity generation, Hungary should focus on expanding its established nuclear and solar capacities. The country can draw lessons from successful regions with high clean electricity penetration. For instance, Slovakia and France, where nuclear contributes to over two-thirds of their electricity, serve as excellent models for nuclear expansion. As for solar, Hungary could take inspiration from states like Nevada, where solar accounts for a significant portion of electricity generation. Reflecting on wind energy, countries such as Denmark and U.S. states like Iowa, where wind energy fulfills a large share of electricity needs, might offer valuable insights that could be adapted to Hungary's context, keeping in mind the different geographical and climatic conditions.
History
Historically, Hungary has undergone variations in its low-carbon electricity outputs, particularly marked by changes in nuclear energy production. During the mid-1980s, there were substantial gains in nuclear production, with consistent year-on-year increases. However, a critical downturn occurred in 2003, bringing nuclear electricity generation down significantly. Fortunately, recovery followed, leading to gradual improvements in subsequent years. In recent times, solar energy has surfaced as an emerging player, with noticeable growth since 2019, attaining significant increases through to 2024. These developments reflect Hungary's positive trends towards embracing more clean electricity, while emphasizing the need for consistent and reliable growth in its nuclear sector to avoid past declines.
