We are happy to announce Hungary as the partner country for the 2026 Geothermal Congress!
Below, we present the work of our partner association as well as the current state of geothermal development in Hungary.
The Hungarian Geothermal Association (HGA)
Founded in 1995, the HGA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional representation, research, and promotion of geothermal energy. As one of the most enduring national associations in Central and Eastern Europe, the HGA has maintained continuous operations for over three decades.
The association is fully self-financed through membership dues and is therefore financially independent of the state. As of 2026, membership comprises 82 stakeholders, including 19 institutions such as municipalities and construction companies, as well as numerous technical experts and planners.
Networking & Knowledge Transfer
The HGA is a long-standing member of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). Since 2004, it has promoted knowledge exchange through technical conferences on legal and technical aspects of thermal water utilization. The monthly magazine Geothermal News serves as a central information medium for the professional community.
Geothermal Energy in Hungary: Current Status and Outlook
Hungary has a tradition of geothermal energy dating back over 150 years. While deep geothermal resources have historically dominated the sector, the potential of near-surface geothermal energy remains significantly underutilized compared to countries such as Germany.
The infrastructure comprises approximately 1,000 active wells, with a highly asymmetrical distribution: 92% are production wells and only 8% are reinjection wells. Utilization, with a capacity of approximately 1,000 MW, is distributed as follows:
The most important aquifers are located in the Pannonian Basin and in Mesozoic karst rock. Despite previous regulatory hurdles, political momentum and EU structural funds are now expected to significantly improve the investment climate for power generation and the heat transition.
Research & Outlook
To address the shortage of skilled workers and capacity bottlenecks, the Rybach Research Centre was established as a consortium of five research institutions. Additionally, there are close collaborations with German partners such as the GFZ Potsdam and KIT.
After years of limited political dialogue, the HGA anticipates a new era of cooperation following the change in government in April 2026. Through the synergy of Hungary’s rich geological heritage and strategic alliances, the industry is poised to strengthen national energy sovereignty and climate goals.
