New Regulatory Framework for Wind Energy Developments in Hungary

The regulatory framework for wind energy developments in Hungary has undergone significant changes. The amendments aim to facilitate wind farm investments and grid connections, while also supporting the implementation of the energy reforms and related milestones set out in Hungary’s recovery and resilience plan.

The decree on the tender procedure for allocating available capacity on medium- and high-voltage grids has been amended, as a result of which the first tender procedure had to be launched by 31 August 2026 for grid connection capacity enabling at least 700 MW of wind power capacity to feed electricity into the public grid. Between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2030, the government aims to enable the grid connection of at least 4,000 MW of new wind power capacity in total, including the capacity offered in the first tender, and new tenders will be released every year.

The tender framework also introduces several important requirements for investors. Successful applicants must submit the final construction permit required for the implementation of the project to the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) by the deadline specified in the tender documentation. Failure to do so results in the loss of the awarded grid connection right. The regulation also expressly identifies the promotion of long-term local community engagement as one of the objectives of the tender procedure. The amendments also affect the rules on accelerated areas for wind energy development. The list of districts whose administrative territories qualify for simplified conditions for the construction or expansion of wind power installations has been extended.

The energy reforms are not limited to wind power, they also cover other areas of the electricity market, including detailed rules applicable to contracts with flexible electricity pricing. Overall, the amendments establish a new legal and tender framework for wind energy investments in Hungary.