The Hungarian government has announced one of the country’s largest renewable energy investment programmes in decades, unveiling plans to dramatically expand wind power, electricity storage and grid infrastructure as it responds to the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the Danube’s record-low water level.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar presented the plans on Friday during a press conference at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, where officials continue to prepare for a possible temporary shutdown of the facility because of the prolonged drought.

Magyar announced that the government has approved plans to develop 4 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity by 2030, roughly double the installed capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

According to the prime minister, the projects will be financed with private investment, while a public consultation on proposed locations for the new wind farms will begin shortly.

He said the previous government had effectively blocked wind farm development for years, adding that the current administration intends to accelerate permitting procedures through a new regulatory framework and the use of European Union funding.

The renewable energy expansion will be accompanied by a major upgrade of Hungary’s electricity network.

Magyar said an HUF 868 billion energy development programme is already under way, while a EUR 1.5 billion scheme financed through Hungary’s recovered EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds will support improvements to the national electricity grid.

Applications for those projects are due to close at the end of next month. The aim, he said, is to ensure the power network can continue operating reliably even under extreme weather conditions.

Alongside expanding renewable generation, the government plans to build 3 GW of electricity storage capacity by 2030.

According to Magyar, increasing battery storage will make it easier to integrate renewable electricity into the national grid while strengthening Hungary’s long-term energy resilience.

“We must ensure that Hungary’s energy supply becomes as independent as possible from both Russian energy and the water level of the Danube,” the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, Budapest Airport announced that it will voluntarily reduce electricity consumption over the next 10 days in response to pressure on Hungary’s power system. The airport said the measures will focus on reducing non-essential energy use, particularly during the daily peak demand period between 5 PM and 10 PM, while maintaining safe and uninterrupted airport operations.

Passengers using Terminal 2 may notice slightly warmer indoor temperatures during those hours, as air conditioning will operate at a reduced level. The airport added that it remains in close contact with electricity providers and relevant authorities while encouraging employees and business partners to conserve energy wherever possible.

Subscribe to receive every edition of our Hungary Insider newsletter directly in your inbox!

The announcements come as Hungary faces mounting pressure on its electricity system due to the possible temporary shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which has reduced output because of the Danube’s exceptionally low water level.

The government says expanding renewable energy, modernising the electricity grid and investing in large-scale storage are central to reducing Hungary’s dependence on imported energy and making the country’s power system more resilient to future climate-related challenges.

If you missed it: PM Magyar says Hungary enters ‘one of the worst energy crises in decades’, shares new Paks shutdown date

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com