The government will continue to work on ensuring energy security even in the shadow of war and under the pressure of Brussels sanctions, since energy security is essential for the operation of factories, companies, the preservation of jobs, and the safety of families, government spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi stated in Szeged on Wednesday, 28 June.
During the inauguration of a new solar power plant established by the Hungarian energy company MVM Group, Alexandra Szentkirályi stated that due to the war in Ukraine and the imposed sanctions, a very challenging energy situation has emerged. Therefore, the government’s most important task is to strengthen Hungary’s energy independence. She emphasised that in addition to energy security, the government aims to maintain the reduction of utility costs while meeting its climate policy objectives. That is why the government assigns a prominent role to solar energy. She highlighted that in this regard, the cabinet is laying the groundwork for
the seamless integration of weather-dependent solar energy into the system through network development and storage investments.
The government spokesperson also highlighted two grant opportunities: system operators and distributors can submit their applications for the dedicated funding of 58 billion forints in June, and another grant aimed at a wider range of industrial economic companies, with a budget of 62 billion forints, is about to be announced.
Szentkirályi presented that solar energy accounts for the sixth highest share in the Hungarian electricity mix worldwide and the third highest in Europe. In the first five months of this year, the installed capacity of solar energy increased by over 840 megawatts. By the beginning of summer, the combined capacity of solar power plants over 50 kilowatts exceeded 3,000 megawatts, and the number of household-sized small power plants surpassed 200,000 in the spring. The anticipated total installed capacity of 6,000 megawatts by 2030 could already be available from renewable sources as early as next year. By the beginning of the next decade, the clean capacity, exceeding the previous target, can serve secure power supply and reduce the environmental impact of the energy sector, stated the government spokesperson.
Business Project Director of MVM Zöld Generáció (Green Generation) Ltd., Péter Bilinszky mentioned during the event introducing the investment that the new 24-megawatt photovoltaic power plant was built for 9.5 billion forints. Of its costs, 3.6 billion forints were covered by EU and domestic government support. As part of the investment, 43,000 solar panels were installed on 32 hectares of land, along with a new 132/22 kilovolt transformer station, the director announced.
Deputy CEO of Production at MVM Ltd. Csaba Kiss stated that the MVM Group’s subsidiary engaged in renewable energy production operates seven wind farms, two hydroelectric power plants, and more than 150 solar power plants in Hungary. As part of the company’s medium-term strategy, it is continuously expanding its portfolio of environmentally friendly power plants. As part of its ongoing Renewable Programme, in collaboration with the one in Szeged, the company is building 34 new solar power plants nationwide with the support of the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.
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