Metering Europe looks at how utilities can meet smart meter targets by 2020

Southeast Europe faces a growing power-system flexibility shortage as grids, storage and dispatchable capacity lag behind project growth and rising volatility. Country-level pressures range from heavy imports in Serbia to negative prices in Croatia and faster battery deployment in Bulgaria.

Kosovo enters its highest-demand months with the 260 MW B1 unit still unavailable, increasing reliance on electricity imports. The operator has not set a return date as regional prices and interconnector availability remain key variables.

Austria's Verbund has signed a power-purchase agreement for the first project selected in Albania's first wind auction to reach construction readiness. Commercial operation is targeted for the first quarter of 2028.