WWF Hungary Calls for Responsible Wind Energy Development That Protects Nature

Twenty organisations, including nature conservation NGOs, think-tanks, industry associations, universities and municipalities joined forces with WWF Hungary to call for a responsible and sustainable expansion of wind energy, emphasising that renewable energy development must go hand in hand with nature and environmental protection.

Their joint policy recommendations which were submitted to two relevant ministries as part of a public consultation phase of the planning process of the wind energy capacity tender in Hungary. The recommendations highlight the need for science-based planning, reliable environmental data, wildlife monitoring and transparent decision-making.

A key recommendation is to prioritise artificial and degraded areas of lower natural value for new wind energy installations. This approach can help reduce pressure on valuable natural habitats while supporting the expansion of renewable energy. The same principle is central to the LIFE REALS project, which promotes the deployment of onshore wind and solar energy on artificial land surfaces while addressing environmental, administrative and social challenges. 

The organisations stress that the location and operation of wind farms must take into account the potential impacts on biodiversity, including birds and bats, as well as wider environmental and landscape considerations. Sustainable energy development therefore requires careful planning that balances climate and energy goals with the protection of nature and local communities. 

The joint recommendations were coordinated by WWF Hungary and aim to provide a framework for predictable, transparent and environmentally responsible wind energy development in Hungary. 

Photo: Dr. Béla Munkácsy