The paper examines the compatibility of wind and solar energy resources with projections of future electricity demand in Hungary. For such, we model the national electricity system and estimate surplus g.
Should the Hungarian energy transition be based on wind and solar resources?
Wind and solar resources should receive more attention in the planning of the Hungarian energy transition. However, the expansion of these vRES needs to happen simultaneously with the restructuring of the whole system [ 27 ].
The input data to the model is derived mainly from national energy balance and other freely available databases which makes the approach easy to adapt and replicate. The following conclusions and recommendations are relevant to the Hungarian energy system.
Should a combination of wind and solar be investigated in Hungary?
The combination of wind and solar in Hungary should be at least investigated despite some national plans disregarding their importance as the results show some compatibility with changing demand patterns.
EnergyPLAN model and simulation of the Hungarian electricity system. A suitable capacity ratio of wind power to solar PV can reduce surplus electricity. Day-charging of electric vehicles in Hungary can reduce surplus electricity.
Another renewable source utilized in large amounts in Hungary is biomass. The NECP proposes a significant increase in solar PV capacity but no increase in wind power capacity. Wind power capacity expansion has been blocked by the government for more than ten years, a ban that is without reasonable geographic or economic reasoning [ 8, 9 ].
Why is electricity consumption increasing in Hungary?
In the last decade, total electricity consumption in Hungary has been increasing [ 1 ]. This is also true for several countries around the globe and this trend might be accelerated as the world transitions to low-carbon energy. Energy efficiency measures can mitigate the increase during the transition.