The National Bureau of Statistics has released the latest energy sector data for the first half of 2024, revealing significant trends in electricity production and imports. One of the most notable developments is a substantial increase in electricity imports, particularly in May and June, along with impressive growth in solar energy generation compared to the same period in 2023.
Solar power generation saw a dramatic rise, with solar plants producing 260 GWh in the first six months of this year—a 103% increase from the 128 GWh generated during the same period in 2023. This surge is expected to continue, as approximately 20 MW of new solar plants are being connected to the grid each month.
In contrast, fossil fuel power plants experienced a marked decline in production. Net production from these plants decreased by 21%, from 1,977 GWh in the first half of last year to 1,556 GWh this year. This reduction is likely due to the prolonged inactivity of HEP’s TPP Plomin, which was out of operation from December 2023 until mid-July, as well as the potential impact of costly emission allowances.
Electricity imports have also seen a sharp increase. In the first half of 2023, 4,683 GWh were imported, but this figure jumped by 25% to 5,860 GWh in the same period this year. This rise in imports correlates with a decline in domestic electricity production, which fell by 17.5%, from 8,850 GWh in the first half of last year to 7,301 GWh this year.
