Embracing the energy transition : An Hungarian and European perspective on a hasty shift
IED Seminar in cooperation with Magyar Onkormányzatok Szövetsége
Gödöllő, Hungary
11.10.2023
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Embracing the energy transition in Hungary and Europe, Viktor Horvath, Deputy State Secretary of the Minister of Energy, Hungary
Embracing the energy transition in Hungary and Europe, Attila Holoda, Energy expert, Managing Director of Aurora Energy Kft, Hungary
Embracing the energy transition in Hungary and Europe, Dóra Csernus, Senior climate and environmental policy expert at the Equilibrium Institute, Hungary
Embracing the energy transition in Hungary and Europe, Dr. László Csőzik, Mayor of Érd, Hungary
INTRODUCTION
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union (EU) swiftly implemented measures to support Ukraine. These actions included providing temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens, delivering humanitarian aid, donating weapons and ammunition, and initiating the adhesion procedure. Simultaneously, the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector and various businesses and individuals. These sanctions, while aimed at Russia, had consequences for the EU, leading to a significant increase in energy prices.
Hungary, heavily reliant on energy imports, felt the impact of these sanctions, particularly in the natural gas sector, where Russia played a crucial role.
In consequence, Hungary improved its capability to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Krk LNG terminal in Croatia and plan to increase import capacity through the TurkStream pipeline via Serbia.
To combat climate change, Hungary is committed, and several climate policies, including decarbonization, adaptation strategies, and awareness-raising initiatives have been approved in Parliament. The EU, having coped with reduced Russian gas imports by increasing LNG supplies, securing alternative pipelines, and reducing gas consumption, now seeks to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The European Commission established a financing mechanism to support renewable energy projects across the EU.
Hungary received approval for a €1.1 billion initiative to develop electricity storage facilities, aligning with green economy goals and reducing fossil fuel dependence. Hungary aims to enhance its renewable energy capacity in solar, geothermal, and wind energy, reducing its reliance on natural gas and coal. Local officials in Hungary must play a pivotal role in promoting green policies, sustainable projects, and public awareness campaigns to drive the country towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
SEMINAR PROGRAM
Conference Venue: Royal Palace, Gödöllő
10h - 11h30
Keynote addresses on Hungarian and global energy situation
11h30 - 12h15
Round Table for Q&A among speakers and the audience
12h30
Lunch at the Royal Palace
LIST OF SPEAKERS
Viktor Horvath
Deputy State Secretary of the Minister of Energy in charge of Energy Transition, Hungary
Attila Holoda
Energy expert, Managing Director of Aurora Energy Kft, Hungary
Dóra Csernus
Senior climate and environmental policy expert at the Equilibrium Institute, Hungary
Dr. László Csőzik
Hungarian politician, lawyer, mayor of Érd since 2019, Hungary
Roland Weigert (Video address)
Vice Minister in the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Germany
Esther Apraiz
Mayor of the city of Derio, Head of Basque Country mayor’s association (EUDEL), Spain
Alenka Kosisa Cicin-Sain
Board Member of IED and Acting Director at Environmental and Energy Efficiency Fund, Croatia
Frédéric Petit (Video address)
Member of Parliament for East-Europe District, Foreign affairs committee, France
Andrzej Potocki
Philosopher and writer. Former member from 1991 to 2001 of the Sejm, Poland
