Hungary's Bioenergy Sector Poised for Growth Amidst Rising Biomass Use

Hungary's energy sector is seeing a significant surge in biomass utilization, with wood chip and firewood consumption rising sharply in 2025. Wood chip usage climbed by 23%, exceeding 230,000 tons more than the previous year. Firewood use more than doubled, reaching 736,000 tons, a 105% increase.

The biogas sector processed 3.4 million tons of biomass in 2025. Sewage sludge constituted the largest portion, nearly 45% of the total. Industrial byproducts and waste, including those from the beer and dairy industries, accounted for over a million tons. Animal byproducts, such as manure, are also increasingly important, with 625,000 tons used, representing about 19% of the total biogas feedstock.

The bioenergy sector in Hungary is set to receive a new impetus. The Jedlik Ányos energy program's investment support from 2026, along with measures from the Common Agricultural Policy's strategic plan focusing on renewable energy and the circular economy, are expected to drive further expansion. These initiatives are anticipated to increase the number of biogas plants and the volume of agricultural, industrial, and municipal biomass processed, strengthening biomass's role in the country's energy production.