Over the past year, from August 2024 to July 2025, Hungary's electricity mix has shown a dominant share of low-carbon energy sources, with more than half of the electricity generation, standing at around 54%. Within this, nuclear power remains a cornerstone, contributing almost a third by itself, making it the largest single contributor to the nation's clean energy. Net imports of electricity, which could be from varied sources, constitute roughly a quarter of the total mix. Fossil fuel-based generation, predominantly from gas, makes up about one-fifth of Hungary's electricity supply. Solar energy also plays a significant role, providing nearly 14.5%, outstripping other renewable resources like wind, which contributes just above 1%. Coal and biofuels have relatively minor roles, with coal generating about 4.4% and biofuels contributing a bit over 3%.
Is Electricity Growing in Hungary?
Regarding the trend in electricity consumption, Hungary has unfortunately seen a decline. The latest per capita electricity use is 4699 kWh, noticeably down from the previous year, which held a record high of 5080 kWh. This represents a decrease of 381 kWh per person. The decrease is also felt in the low-carbon segment, with the latest figure at 2526 kWh per person, down by 393 kWh from the previous high achieved in 2024. These reductions in consumption and clean energy generation are concerning in the context of increasing global demand for cleaner power sources, which are vital in tackling challenges like climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Hungary could significantly benefit from expanding its nuclear and solar capacity. Both have proven to be crucial in the existing energy mix, and similar strategies have been employed successfully in other regions. France, for instance, derives a substantial 69% of its electricity from nuclear energy, while Slovakia manages to obtain 64% from the same source, showcasing the viability of such an approach. Additionally, countries like Greece and Lebanon provide inspiring examples in solar, generating 25% and 31% of their electricity, respectively. Learning from these regions, Hungary can strive to elevate its clean energy share, ensuring a sustainable and secure energy future.
History
Historically, Hungary's low-carbon electricity generation saw a significant rise in the 1980s, thanks to nuclear energy. Growth was robust during this time, with yearly increases ranging from 0.9 to 3.6 TWh. However, 2003 marked a significant setback with a substantial decrease of 2.9 TWh in nuclear power output. Despite this, the subsequent years saw an effort to rebound, with smaller yet consistent increments. Meanwhile, the early 21st century witnessed the ascent of solar power, particularly taking off in the late 2010s. Solar energy surged impressively, with notable increases from 2019 to 2024, highlighting its burgeoning role in clean electricity generation. Nevertheless, the recent downturn in 2025 for both solar and nuclear output emphasizes the need for renewed focus and investment in these critical sectors.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.