The renewable energy burden in Hungary's carbon-intensive regions: a case study of energy poverty and low-quality fuels

This chapter addresses how households in Hungary's former coal regions live in energy poverty. These regions also demonstrate that households living in energy poverty and using biomass, such as firewood, are using a disproportionate share of the country's renewable energy in relation to income. The results indicate that energy-poor households lack the capability to leverage their value in the energy transition even though they assist a country in meeting renewable energy targets. A just energy transition requires state institutions to improve citizens’ capabilities and awareness of their role in the process. Quantification of household renewable energy targets must include the quality of energy sources and the energy intensity of dwellings. These results demonstrate that the national representation of high renewable energy use is supported by the poorest households who are the least able to afford this contribution.