Bulgaria’s electricity system recorded a mixed but structurally significant change between 1 January and 21 June 2026, according to data published by the Electricity System Operator (ESO). Total generation and demand both increased over the period, while the generation mix shifted away from baseload sources. The figures cover overall production, consumption, cross-border exports, and output from different power categories.
Production and demand trends in Bulgaria
Total electricity production in Bulgaria rose by 3.76% year-on-year to 20.56 TWh. Domestic electricity consumption increased by 6.74%, reaching 19.98 TWh. Even with higher consumption levels, Bulgaria continued to export electricity during the observed timeframe.
Exports amounted to 579 GWh over the period from 1 January to 21 June 2026. The data indicate that higher internal demand did not eliminate Bulgaria’s net exporter position. Production growth therefore coincided with both rising consumption and continued outward flows.
Shift in generation mix: baseload down, renewables up
The generation structure changed notably as output from baseload power plants declined. Coal and nuclear generation fell by 10.9% compared with 2025, totaling 13.18 TWh. This reflected lower contribution from traditional firm generation within the overall mix.
Renewable energy sources (RES) continued to expand across both transmission-connected and distribution-connected segments. RES production connected to the transmission network increased by 13.86%, reaching 1,961.7 GWh. In parallel, RES generation in the distribution network rose by 4.78% to 1,910.5 GWh.
