On 24 December 2025, the latest amendment to the Government Decree on the Basic Regulations for Urban Planning and Construction Requirements (abbreviated as TÉKA in Hungarian) was enacted. This update is part of a broader legislative effort addressing the placement and permitting of wind turbines and wind farms, alongside revisions to the Electricity Act, its implementing regulations, and the Hungarian Architecture Act.
According to the amendment’s preamble, Hungary’s geographic and climatic conditions make it possible to harness wind energy in a responsible way, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations. Advances in technology and the growing importance of renewable energy have prompted a review of earlier regulations, aiming to ensure investment predictability, protect communities and the environment, and advance national energy policy goals.
The amendment simplifies several aspects of wind energy development. Starting January 1, 2026, the Electricity Act allows the construction of wind turbines with hub heights of up to 199 meters in so-called “simplified zones.” In these zones, developers are no longer required to designate replacement areas when allocating land for new wind farm projects. Prior to this change, it was prohibited to place wind turbines or wind farms within any area designated for development and a 700-meter protective zone around it, except in industrial zones where major projects had already been completed or were underway. The amendment now limits such restrictions to residential, mixed-use, and holiday home areas, opening more possibilities for wind farm development elsewhere.
The new regulations also address neighbor-right issues related to wind turbines. If turbine blades extend over neighboring properties, the developer is generally required to reach an agreement with the affected landowner and attach it to the permit application. In the absence of an agreement, authorities may establish a use-right with compensation, if needed. An exception allows airspace use without consent if the lowest point of the turbine blade is at least 40 meters above ground and does not interfere with the intended use of the property. These rules aim to balance the interests of wind farm developers with those of neighboring property owners, ensuring fairness while supporting renewable energy expansion.
The Government has designated eight “simplified zones” in early 2026, all located in the Little Hungarian Plain. While the amendment emphasizes the social, economic and energy-policy importance of promoting renewable energy, the limited number of simplified zones has drawn criticism. Environmental organizations, including WWF Hungary, argue that the list does not sufficiently address climate action needs and excludes many areas with high wind energy potential, such as Kapuvár, Kőszeg, and Pápa districts. This narrow approach could hinder the growth of wind energy and slow progress toward national energy independence. WWF and partner organizations have developed a scientific methodology under the EUKI Renewland program to guide the selection of simplified zones, which could have helped create a more comprehensive and modern regulatory framework.
Currently, Hungary has around 330 megawatts of installed wind power. While the TÉKA amendments represent progress by easing some regulatory hurdles and clarifying permitting procedures, their limited scope highlights the need for a more strategic, science-based approach to wind energy development. As the effects of climate change intensify and energy security becomes increasingly important, expanding the responsible use of wind energy across the country remains a critical priority.
By Denes Glavatity, Attorney-at-Law, KCG Partners Law Firm
