Between 1990 and 2023 Hungary reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 43%, the energy minister said, adding that the country had overachieved its 2030 climate policy target of a 40% reduction.
The energy ministry quoted Csaba Lantos as saying that last year alone, emissions had been reduced by 9.5%, adding that the energy sector accounted for the largest reduction with 11%. “Emissions by major power and heating plants were reduced by one fifth through increased consumer awareness and a mild winter weather,” the ministry said in a statement. It noted that Hungary’s fossil energy production had been reduced by 18%, and solar energy production had increased by 47%. Referring to August figures by Eurostat, the ministry said that in the first quarter of 2024, Hungary was in the first third of European Union members in terms of reducing their emissions. “The results spectacularly indicated Hungary’s commitment to meeting climate targets and the significant progress the country has made towards a sustainable economy,” Lantos said. He said the government’s efforts to promote the production and storage of green energy, increase energy efficiency and make industry and transport greener had contributed significantly to the results.