Greenpeace Urges Fracking Ban in Hungary Amid Environmental and Health Concerns

Greenpeace Hungary is calling for a ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), a method still in use in Hungary for natural gas extraction, due to its significant environmental and health risks. The NGO is pressing for Hungary to follow the example of several European nations that have already banned the practice, citing concerns over water contamination, air pollution, and the release of harmful chemicals.

Fracking Process and Its Environmental Risks
Fracking involves drilling into the earth to release natural gas by injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure. Greenpeace experts, including regional chemicals expert Gergely Simon, have highlighted the dangers of the chemicals used, such as acids, biocides, and carcinogenic substances like benzene. These toxic substances can leach into the surrounding groundwater and even the atmosphere, potentially causing long-term harm to both ecosystems and human health.

Although fracking is banned in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria, it continues in Hungary, particularly in the Nyékpuszta gas field where the Corvinus project uses the technology.

Greenpeace’s Monitoring of Pollution in Nyékpuszta
Greenpeace has conducted extensive monitoring in the Nyékpuszta region, using thermal cameras and air pollution measuring devices to track harmful emissions from fracking operations. Their findings revealed that benzene levels exceeded legal limits, with concentrations recorded at nearly double the one-day threshold over a 13-day period. Greenpeace’s data has been contested by MVM, the gas operator, but the organization insists their findings are accurate and point to an ongoing risk of contamination.

Despite these concerns, the Hungarian government has not taken action to ban fracking, leaving many environmental groups frustrated and urging immediate change. Greenpeace has reported the pollution to the authorities and is calling for a more stringent approach to monitoring and regulation.

The Need for Renewable Energy Transition
In addition to calling for a fracking ban, Greenpeace Hungary is pushing for greater investment in renewable energy. The group argues that Hungary should shift away from fossil fuel extraction methods, such as fracking, and prioritize sustainable energy sources like wind and solar. Greenpeace believes that by embracing clean energy, Hungary can reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

A Broader European Context
The debate over fracking in Hungary is part of a larger European conversation about the future of energy extraction and the environment. As countries across Europe tighten regulations on fossil fuel extraction, Hungary’s continued use of fracking is increasingly seen as a step backward. Greenpeace hopes that Hungary will recognize the risks of fracking and follow the lead of its neighbors in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.