A change of paradigm appeared during the recent years in the field of energy policy formulation. Essentially the shift in perception means that the requirements an energy policy have to meet are not only to secure the necessary energy (security of supply) and to keep costs as low as possible (competitiveness). The new cadre of thinking aims that energy systems also have to comply the criteria of sustainability.
 
This gradual adjustment of the approach is caused by three major factors. First, the ever increasing pressure to meet the challenge of climate change. It is just as important that the depletion of fossil fuel reserves is already begun. Although this phenomenon does not yet manifest as a physical lack of  resources, the supply is visibly less and less capable of meeting global demand. This course is clearly indicated by the sharp increase of energy prices, which simultaneously prompts many to seek alternative solutions. Finally, the scarcely mentioned driving force is the realization that the application of unsustainable solutions largely contributes to the devastation of our own standard of living. – which usually also means the squandering of significant material sources. This point of view cannot be dismissed easily anymore in the 21st century in European societies, which are interested in the increase of well-being – in the broadest possible perspective.
As a response the Western and Northern European countries who pursue a progressive policy, have for a long time made considerable efforts in permeating various renewable sources at an economically sound pace and exploiting the significant potentials in energy-efficiency.
Within the boundaries of the Sustainability in Strategic Thinking program field the Energy Policy Division aims to facilitate that this change of paradigm happens as soon as possible in the Hungarian policy formulation and also concerning the general public.

Earlier projects

Sustainable Energy Strategy for Hungary (executive summary in English, detailed study in Hungarian)