ABSTRACT
Hungary's post-2010 energy policy reflects a renewed statist agenda that adopts a critical attitude to key decisions and actions undertaken during the country's post-communist transition period. The 2002-2010 period allowed for a reflection on the previous 12 years and brought to light several new challenges for Hungary's energy policy. Hungary's energy mix is varied, with natural gas being the dominant primary energy type. Hungary is more-or-less self-sufficient in solid fossil fuels, with almost 90 per cent of the coal used (mainly softer brown coal) produced domestically. Renewable energy sources (RES) is an area where Hungary has potential, particularly in geothermal energy, but high operating costs, time limited subsidy programmes and few identified development opportunities have restricted investment. In 2002, the Hungarian Socialist Party (Magyar Szocialista Part, MSZP) returned to office, once again in coalition with the Szabad Demokratak Szovestsege – a Magyar Liberalis Part, SZDSZ.
