Low-Carbon Investment in Budapest

Hungary has great potential for solar energy. However, this has not been exploited adequately: only four percent of Budapest’s energy mix come from renewable sources. This is set to change, as the city is refining its climate targets to be in line with the EU climate neutrality objectives: Budapest plans to invest in solar technologies. Next to maximising the city’s greenhouse gas mitigation potential, Budapest also intends for its action to become a role model of solar development in Central and Eastern Europe.

To achieve this goal, the project promoted the integration of solar energy into the daily life of the city. First, the total solar potential of buildings in Budapest was assessed, and it was determined how this potential could affect the power supply. Subsequently, a pilot project modeled the future large-scale use of solar installations. Furthermore, the project evaluated the legal, administrative, technical, financial, social, and behavioral barriers that stood in the way of realizing urban "prosumerism" (i.e., simultaneous production and consumption of electricity). After the respective obstacles had been identified, the project developed practical solutions tailored to the needs of both citizens and businesses. Workshops, information materials, and consulting services supported and promoted the awareness of citizens and actors regarding climate change. The project built on previous project experiences and connections, bringing together key stakeholders and actors in the solar energy sector. At the end of the project, a timetable for the integration of solar energy in Budapest was established.

• Data-based planning: Solar cadastre creates a basis for investment: The Budapest solar cadastre is the first comprehensive assessment of the suitability of 345,000 building roofs for photovoltaics - with a theoretical potential of 5,000 MW of installable capacity. The result thus far exceeds the city's previous solar expansion target and forms a concrete basis for low-carbon investments. The impact is clear: by the end of 2023, over 100,000 people had used the new platform - a strong signal of public interest and relevance far beyond the project context. 
• Changing structures: Approval processes measurable and traceable: The harmonisation of approval processes between the city of Budapest and its 23 districts has triggered noticeable institutional changes. Different or contradictory requirements - for example in the area of monument protection - were standardised with the help of a new visibility assessment based on spatial analysis. This methodology is now used as a decision-making aid in approval procedures and contributes to the stabilisation, transparency and debureaucratisation of PV expansion processes. 
• Creating understanding: Strengthening knowledge and willingness among the population: A qualitative and quantitative survey of citizens revealed attitudes, barriers and motives for using solar installations. The results show a clear increase in knowledge about photovoltaics and a growing willingness to invest - favoured by comprehensible information, practical applicability and a simplified legal situation. The project thus brought about a demonstrable change in attitudes and strengthened the willingness to take climate-friendly decisions - a key prerequisite for real reductions in emissions.