In Hungary, for the 12-month period from September 2024 to August 2025, low-carbon electricity sources have played a significant role in energy generation, accounting for over half of the total electricity. Nuclear power alone contributes approximately 35%, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Hungary's clean energy infrastructure. Solar energy also notably supports the grid, producing just above 15% of the total electricity consumption. Meanwhile, fossil fuels still represent a substantial portion of the electricity mix at nearly 20%, with natural gas being the primary fossil source at around 16%. The remaining shares are covered by net imports, which account for almost a quarter of the electricity, and other low-carbon sources like biofuels and wind, which, combined, make up just under 5% of the total.
Is Electricity Growing in Hungary?
Electricity consumption in Hungary is currently experiencing a downturn. As of 2025, the average electricity consumption per person stands at 4,593 kWh, which is a decrease of 487 kWh from the previous year's record. This trend extends to low-carbon electricity as well, where per-person consumption has dropped by 382 kWh from the prior year's record. These numbers indicate a reduction in clean electricity generation, a concern that Hungary must address considering the ever-growing global demand for low-carbon power as a deterrent against climate change and air pollution. Harnessing the potential of its low-carbon resources is pivotal for Hungary's future electricity needs and sustainability goals.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Hungary should focus on expanding its nuclear and solar sectors, given their existing contribution to the energy mix. By learning from regions that have excelled in these areas, Hungary can chart a path toward a more sustainable energy future. France and Slovakia offer concrete examples with about 69% and 64% of their electricity, respectively, coming from nuclear power. Hungary can adopt best practices from these countries to enhance nuclear capacity. For solar power, Lebanon and Nevada, with 31% and 29% of their electricity sourced from solar, serve as pertinent examples. Incorporating insights from these countries, while ensuring the synergy between nuclear and solar expansions, can help Hungary significantly increase its low-carbon energy generation.
History
Historically, Hungary's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has seen significant phases of growth, especially in nuclear power. The early 1980s to the late 1980s marked a period of robust nuclear development, with yearly increments ranging from just under 1 TWh to as high as 3.6 TWh. This momentum faced unexpected setbacks in 2003 with a rare decline of 2.9 TWh, followed by a gradual recovery up to 2009. Similarly, Hungary has seen an encouraging rise in solar energy since 2019, peaking in 2024 with a 2.5 TWh increase, although it faced a slight dip in 2025. These fluctuations highlight the need for a sustained commitment to ensuring stable and continuous growth in Hungary's clean energy sector, with a particular focus on solar and nuclear investments to overcome past instabilities.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.