Hungary’s installed solar capacity is projected to surpass 8 GW by mid-2025, as the country continues its focus on solar energy expansion. This growth is a key part of Hungary’s strategy to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuel imports and bolster energy security.
Hungary Solar Capacity Doubling by 2025
Hungary’s installed solar capacity is on track to exceed 8 GW by mid-2025, according to a report by PV Magazine. This represents a remarkable doubling of the nation’s solar capacity in just two years, building on the 4.43 GW achieved by the end of 2023. The Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) confirmed this progress, announcing a cumulative installed solar capacity of 7.36 GW by the end of September 2024. This rapid expansion of solar energy is crucial to Hungary’s plan to decrease its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and strengthen regional energy security. You can read more about Hungary’s solar surge at PVKnowhow.
The projected growth is anticipated to reach approximately 8.8 GW by the end of 2025, a significant step towards Hungary’s ambitious goal of 12 GW of installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2030. For further details on Hungary’s solar targets, see this article on PVKnowhow.
Key Projects Contributing to Hungary Solar Capacity
The 154 MW Mezőcsát solar power plant, operational since May 2024, is a major contributor to this growth. Developed by the Hungarian energy company MVM Group, Mezőcsát is one of Europe’s largest single-area solar installations, boasting approximately 270,000 solar panels and an expected annual electricity generation of 230,000 MWh. The plant utilizes bifacial solar panels, maximizing energy production by capturing sunlight on both sides. Financing for the project came from a combination of MVM Group resources and a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Learn more about other large-scale solar projects at PVKnowhow.
Further boosting Hungary’s solar capacity, European solar developer Sunmaxx commissioned a 132 MW solar project in Koppányszántó, southwestern Hungary, in August 2024. This project underscores Hungary’s ongoing commitment to its national energy transition. Similar projects are highlighted on PVKnowhow.
Hungary’s Energy Transition and Solar Capacity Growth
Hungary’s rapid expansion of solar capacity is integral to its broader energy transition objectives. The country aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase the proportion of renewable energy in its national energy mix. Solar power plays a critical role in this strategy, enabling Hungary to meet its renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent years have seen significant investments in solar energy infrastructure, supported by both domestic and international funding. The government’s commitment is evident in its ambitious solar capacity targets and the development of large-scale solar projects nationwide. While the cancellation of the U.S. “Solar for All” program, detailed on PVKnowhow, represents a setback for community solar initiatives in the United States, Hungary’s progress demonstrates a contrasting global trend toward solar energy adoption.
Hungary’s progress also aligns with the European Union’s broader goals of increasing renewable energy production and reducing carbon emissions. The country’s advancements in solar capacity contribute to the EU’s overall efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
As Hungary continues to invest in solar energy, it is poised to become a leader in the region’s energy transition. The country’s focus on renewable energy reflects global trends towards sustainability and the growing importance of clean energy in addressing climate change.
