Wind power plants are effectively banned in Hungary

The government introduced special restrictions for the construction of wind power plants in September 2016. These include limitations on where developers can construct wind turbines and restrictions on technical parameters. The most significant barrier is the modification of the regulation on national site planning and building requirements. This Government Decree states that wind turbines (or wind parks) are not allowed to be constructed in the areas suitable for building purposes or within 12 km of their borders. This rules out all of Hungary. Moreover, the wind power plant’s capacity may not exceed 2 MW, the height of the installation may not exceed 100 m, shall not interfere with air traffic, radio communication or communication for military and defence purposes. Lastly, wind power plants would only be eligible for a green premium through tendering procedures, but no such tenders have been opened since 2009–2010. Thus, wind power plants are effectively banned in Hungary. There has been no indication by the government that it will overturn this measure.