WEnnovate partners discover energy transition innovations and challenges across the Netherlands, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary

This summer, workshops in the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia brought together key stakeholders to explore how deep tech and digital innovations can drive the energy transition.

Hungary: prioritizing solar energy

We may not be among Europe’s top solar power producers, but it is making significant strides in harnessing this renewable resource. Due to geographic constraints that limit the viability of other renewable energy types, solar energy has become Hungary’s strongest option for contributing to the energy transition. Hungary’s efforts have led to notable growth in solar power, surpassing its initial 2030 targets and highlighting its potential in this area.

Design Terminal’s work in accelerating startups and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors is helping to navigate regulatory and financial challenges.

Addressing challenges with innovation

Like other countries in the Wennovate project, Hungary faces significant regulatory and financial hurdles. Strict price ceilings and complex regulations can slow down innovation and deter investment. However, the introduction of an Energy Data Hub—designed to integrate data from smart meters and sensors—is set to improve grid management in Hungary. This initiative will enhance the efficiency of the energy system, particularly in managing the decentralized nature of solar energy.

A collaborative European effort

While Hungary prioritizes solar energy, the Wennovate project is a collaborative effort involving several countries, each bringing unique contributions to the table:

• The Netherlands leads in digitalizing and decentralizing its energy sector, with widespread adoption of smart meters and advanced regulatory frameworks.
• Ukraine is innovating despite the challenges of ongoing conflict, focusing on rebuilding its energy infrastructure and driving a green and digital transition.
• Slovakia is working to bridge policy gaps and address climate skepticism, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and talent management.

Each country’s approach enriches the collective effort, with Hungary’s emphasis on solar energy and digital innovation adding a valuable perspective to the broader European initiative.

Looking ahead

As the Wennovate project advances, Hungary’s contributions—alongside those of the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Slovakia—will be instrumental in shaping Europe’s sustainable energy future. The ongoing collaboration between Design Terminal and our partners Sustainable Scale-up Foundation , G-Force , Unify.energy , Kyiv Academic University , Ukrainian Startup Fund and Provincie of Utrecht will support that Hungary continues to make meaningful progress in the energy transition.

Interested in joining this journey? Stay tuned for our upcoming events and get involved in the conversation about driving sustainable energy innovations across Europe, and visit our website.