The Evolution of Renewable Energy Sources in the Visegrad Four Countries: A Comparative Study of Trends and Policies

This article examines the current state of renewable energy sources (RES) in the Visegrad Four (V4) countries in the context of historical developments and the influence of national policies. The primary aim of this study is to compare progress, challenges, and opportunities in RES development across the V4 countries between 2014 and 2022, using standardised per capita indicators and combining political and technical analyses. Our methodology involves analysing statistical data from Eurostat and the IEA, conducting a qualitative assessment of RES support policies, and performing ANOVA to verify the statistical significance of differences between countries. The findings suggest that countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary have made significant progress in decarbonising their energy sectors. At the same time, Poland and Slovakia face greater challenges—Slovakia, in particular, due to its greater reliance on biomass and political turbulence. Poland has long lagged in developing RES, mainly due to its strong dependence on coal, but it is now becoming a leader in implementing RES within the V4. The main obstacles to the development of RES include insufficient political and legislative support and administrative barriers that hinder the adoption of new technologies. Another critical factor is public concern about the potential negative impacts of RES on quality of life, which may stem from a lack of information and education in this area, as well as from political intentions. To improve the situation, it is necessary to increase transparency, provide relevant education, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Ensuring a stable political and legislative framework and adequate financing are key to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets in the region.