Hungary's First Green Hydrogen Plant Inaugurated

Hungary's first green hydrogen plant was inaugurated at a ceremony in the Bükkábrány Energy Park in NE Hungary. The plant, which is now officially starting its trial operation, will produce hydrogen from renewable energy generated by the local solar park, not only to combat climate change but also to take a significant step towards energy independence in the country, according to a press release.

The Bükkábrány Energy Park, one of the largest solar parks in Hungary, has a peak capacity of more than 22 MWp with 65,000 polycrystalline solar panels. The park, which covers an area of 32 hectares, has been revitalized by the recultivation of the former open-cast lignite mine of the Mátra Power Plant and is actively contributing to the spread of sustainable energy sources.

The new green hydrogen plant will convert the electricity generated by the solar park into hydrogen using a complex electrolysis system. The start-up of the plant has been preceded by a successful testing phase, the results of which will now allow the plant to go into trial operation. The significance of the event is that it is the first of its kind in Hungary and is closely aligned with the country's national hydrogen strategy announced in 2021. "The green hydrogen development in Bükkábrány coincides with the government's energy policy intentions to create facilities to balance and regulate the production of the record-breaking renewable energy capacity," Energy Minister Csaba Lantos said at the inauguration ceremony.