Cross-border electricity trade increased in Southeast Europe during Week 23, with net imports across the region rising 9.1% week on week to 1.22 TWh. The change points to continued reliance on interconnectors for system balancing and price formation. The week’s pattern reflected both demand conditions and renewable output.
Demand growth and weaker variable renewables lift balancing needs
Regional electricity demand rose 8.2% to 15.15 TWh, while variable renewable generation declined 8.9%. This combination increased the balancing requirement across the market area. Hydro and thermal generation increased, though the changes were not uniform across countries.
With domestic generation moving differently by market, cross-border flows became a key adjustment channel. The resulting shifts affected net import levels in multiple importing systems. Flow changes were linked to differences in renewable performance and generation availability.
Import increases in Hungary, Romania and Croatia
Hungary recorded the largest increase among major importing markets, with net imports up 64.7% to 179.75 GWh. Hungary also had a weekly average day-ahead price of €103.15/MWh, and its average price softened by 2.0% week on week. Higher import reliance indicated additional external supply needs for domestic balance management.
Romania increased net imports by 34.0%, while Croatia raised imports by 18.5%. Both markets saw weaker renewable output, and Croatia also recorded a sharp fall in wind generation despite stronger hydro. The changes illustrated how quickly countries can move toward cross-border dependence when renewable profiles deteriorate.
Italy remains the region’s largest importer as prices stay elevated
Italy stayed the largest net importer in the region, taking in 950.91 GWh, although that was 14.1% lower than the previous week. Italy’s reduced import requirement coincided with improved domestic supply availability, supported by internal generation changes and lower demand. Even so, Italy maintained the highest SEE weekly price at €128.09/MWh.
The price level remained consistent with a structural premium despite lower import dependence during the week. Italy’s position continued to affect regional spread dynamics relative to other markets referenced in the data.
Greece and Türkiye continue exporting despite weaker volumes
Greece remained a net exporter, exporting 169.69 GWh, but exports fell 29.5% week on week. Greece’s weekly average price was €89.25/MWh, lower than most SEE markets mentioned in the report data. Reduced Greek exports may have limited downward pressure on neighbouring pricing.
Türkiye also stayed a net exporter, although exports declined 13.6%. The move aligned with a 31.0%
