The Hungarian parliament has adopted a law to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, supporting the EU net-zero emissions strategy. In the medium term, the country remains committed to a binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990, like other EU countries.
The adopted law has been criticised by environmental groups, as the 40% GHG emissions cut target by 2030 is much lower than in the initial proposal of a 55% cut by 2030,. The initial version also planned VAT reductions on solar panels, lifting the ban on wind project construction (prohibited with 12 km of any house) and residential energy efficiency support measures, which have not been adopted.
The authorities estimated in January 2020 that it would cost up to HUF50,000bn (€149bn) to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, by producing CO2-free electricity, replacing gas use and reaching 100% electric transport. In January 2020, the Hungarian government presented the main goals of its National Energy and Climate Strategy, which aims at reaching a 90% carbon-neutral power generation by 2030, mostly from nuclear and solar. Hungary would maintain nuclear capacity, promote renewable power generation and substitute fossil fuels in the transport sector. It would also reduce electricity imports from the current average of 30% of electricity consumption (46% in 2018) to less than 20%. Since 2000, Hungary has reduced its CO2 emission by 32% and energy use by 15%.
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