Hungary must continue its energy transition. According to the IEA, this is an imperative in order to achieve energy independence. In particular, the report emphasizes its ability to invest more in clean energy. In fact, the country still depends on Russia for its imports
Hungary must continue its efforts
The latest IEA report calls on Hungary to continue its efforts in energy transition. In the current context, this energy transition gives the country the opportunity to meet dependency and security objectives.
While the report emphasizes the progress to be made, Hungary has a solid foundation for transition. Its good photovoltaic and nuclear capacities seem encouraging.
For Attila Steiner, State Secretary for Energy and Climate Policy:
“Hungary is firmly committed to renewable energy.”
The country is committed to having 90% of its energy production come from low-carbon energy by 2030.
An energy transition essential for independence
However, the country suffers from a strong dependence on Russian gas imports. The invasion of Ukraine has caused prices to skyrocket and the country has declared a state of energy emergency. A decision that has greatly increased theimport of Russian gas by Hungary.
The report stresses the importance of reducing its imports, through the energy transition. For the IEA, only an investment in renewable energies can achieve this goal.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, comments:
“It can prevent increased fossil fuel imports and emissions.”
For the time being, Russian imports have increased the production of the Mátra coal-fired power plant.
Hungary has a role to play
In order to diversify its sources of supply, Hungary needs to make better use of the interconnection of its network. A network that it has developed considerably in recent years. Therefore, the report points to an important role to be played at the European level.
By improving its links with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary can respond to a more global dependency issue.
While the country is well on its way to the energy transition, there is still progress to be made. In fact, this landlocked country still depends on Russian imports. Prioritizing transition is the key to independence, as Fatih Birol points out:
“Prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy is a pragmatic approach.”
