Published: November 30 2023
Hungary's wind power capacity has the potential to triple, but there are challenges that come with this expansion. While wind energy is renewable and can help offset other sources, it is difficult to predict and cannot be stored. Furthermore, balancing the energy output can put strain on the electricity supply system.
The Potential for Growth
Currently, Hungary has 324.9 MW of wind generation capacity, but there is potential for this to triple to 1 GW. Upgrading existing wind turbines could significantly increase electricity generation. The government is making efforts to make the installation of wind turbines easier by reducing the "safety distance" requirement from 12 kilometers to 700 meters.
Limitations of Wind Energy
Due to its dependence on weather conditions, wind power plants have a lower capacity utilization rate compared to other energy sources. From 2010 to 2016, the weighted average capacity utilization of wind power plants in Hungary was 23.3%. It is also important to note that wind turbines have minimum start-up wind speeds and require a guaranteed power supply in low wind conditions.
Geographical Potential and Electricity Generation
Approximately 11% of Hungary's territory is potentially suitable for wind turbine installations, with the Transdanubian region having the most favorable conditions. If the geographical potential is maximized, up to 86 TWh of electricity could be generated, which is four times the investment in the Paks II nuclear power plant.
Challenges and Considerations
While wind energy has its benefits, it is more difficult to predict compared to solar energy. The production cannot be stored or sold to neighboring countries, and the capacity expansion can put strain on the electricity grid. Well-planned wind capacity can help offset solar energy, but careful consideration is needed to ensure a balanced and reliable energy supply.
Questions & Answers
What is the current wind power capacity in Hungary? The current wind power capacity in Hungary is 324.9 MW.
How much is the wind power capacity expected to grow in Hungary? The wind power capacity in Hungary is expected to triple to 1 GW.
What is the percentage of domestic electricity demand that the current wind power capacity can meet in Hungary? The current wind power capacity in Hungary is able to meet just under one and a half percent of domestic electricity demand.
What is the average capacity utilization of installed wind power plants in Hungary? The weighted average capacity utilization of installed wind power plants in Hungary from 2010 to 2016 was 23.3%, compared to the EU average of 22.1%.
How much of Hungary's territory is potentially suitable for wind turbine installations? Based on a 2018 study by the European Commission, 11% of Hungary's territory is potentially suitable for wind turbine installations.
Which region in Hungary has the most favorable conditions for wind turbine installations? The most favorable conditions for wind turbine installations in Hungary are found in the Transdanubian region.
What is the minimum start-up wind speed for wind turbines in Hungary? The minimum start-up wind speed for wind turbines in Hungary is three meters per second.
Is it possible to offset, store, or sell the wind power production to neighboring countries in Hungary? No, it is not possible to offset, store, or sell the wind power production to neighboring countries in Hungary.
How can wind power capacity help offset solar power in Hungary? Well-targeted wind power capacity can help offset solar power in Hungary.
What challenges does wind power pose for the electricity grid in Hungary? Wind power in Hungary can increase the burden on the electricity grid due to its difficulty in prediction and the inability to store or sell the production in a practical way.
