Hungary launches grants for businesses to install energy storage, with or without onsite renewables
Source：pv magazine
Hungary has launched a new grant program to support businesses in installing energy storage facilities, with or without onsite renewable energy.
The National Energy Agency published the call for proposals on November 21 under the Modernization Fund Jedlik Ányos Energy Program, titled “Supporting Renewable Energy Production and Energy Storage for Businesses.”
Any company operating in Hungary is eligible to apply. The total grant budget is HUF 50 billion (€130 million), with HUF 25 billion specifically reserved for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is estimated that approximately 2,500–2,600 projects will be supported through the scheme.
The grant provides non-refundable support, supplemented by the applicant’s own contribution. Under the framework of the call, energy storage facilities – either for electricity or thermal energy – can be funded independently. Energy generation is only eligible for support if combined with storage capacity, with a maximum aid intensity of 33% of costs. However, the construction of renewable photovoltaic electricity generation systems for self-consumption, including capacity expansions and new installations, cannot be supported on their own.
The aid intensity varies by company size: large enterprises can receive up to 30%, medium-sized enterprises up to 40%, and micro and small enterprises up to 50% of eligible costs. The grant amount per applicant ranges from a minimum of HUF 10 million to a maximum of HUF 1 billion.
All activities and investments proposed in the application must be completed by December 31, 2028. Furthermore, the call requires that a feasibility study be conducted prior to implementation, and that a three-year maintenance period be undertaken for the installed energy storage facilities.
The call also stipulates that no aid will be granted if the project site involves housing or residential development; if energy production at the site is intended solely for feeding into the public grid or district heating system; or if the project aims to disconnect from the district heating system or the public grid.