cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/63991870

Solar accounted for 25% of the country’s electricity generation in 2024, more than any other nation, according to data collated by research group Ember. Hungary overtook Chile last year to claim the top spot.

The solar surge has been remarkable — in 2018, the technology made up just 2% of Hungary’s power output.

And in August 2024, a new monthly record was set when solar made up 37% of Hungary’s electricity generation.

Hungary’s stint at the top of the solar rankings may prove short-lived. Countries like Pakistan — where solar made up 26% of the mix in February 2025, from 10% in the same month two years before — are also on a steep growth trajectory.

  • HotznplotznEnglish
    11·
    4 days ago

    Yeah, Hungary has become China’s leading investment destination in the EU, supported by extraordinarily generous state subsidies. For example, Hungary’s greatest solar energy project is underway in Szolnok with Chinese Huawei, a company that is banned in the meantime by Europe’s solar association of bribery accusations.

    Hungary’s cooperation with China has drawn scrutiny in Brussels and from EU member states over security concerns and their potential to distort competition in the single market.

  • AItoothbrush@lemmy.zipEnglish
    4·
    4 days ago

    Huh, i didnt know this even tho im from hungary. The name of the research group, Ember, was kinda confusing as it means “person/man” in hungarian but apparently its a company from the uk. Wikipedia lists some countries higher than hungary already so i guess that was short lived. Ignoring the crippling political and economical state in hungary, its a neat thing. Also ignoring that we have an old nuclear reactor that provides a huge share of electricity and the only replacement we have planned is a russian one…