Production from variable renewable energy sources in Southeast Europe fell by 21% in the period from 19 to 25 December, to 1.56 TWh in total, mainly due to less wind energy production. Lower production in wind farms was recorded in all markets in the region, with Croatia recording the biggest drop – by 62%.
On the other hand, the production of solar energy in SEE recorded a significant growth – by 24%, to a total of 310 GWh. Half of the market in the region saw an increase in solar production, mainly thanks to clear weather. Greece and Bulgaria recorded the largest increase in solar yield by 64% and 63%, respectively, compared to the previous week. Hungary recorded an 18% drop in solar production – reflecting unfavorable weather conditions.
Greece slightly increased wind and solar energy production in this period compared to the previous week, by 2%, to 274 GWh.
At the same time, total hydropower production decreased moderately across the region, by 10%, to 2.04 TWh, primarily due to light rainfall in most countries of the region this week. All markets in the region, except Turkey and Serbia, registered low hydropower production. Greece and Croatia recorded the biggest drop during this week, by 50% and 27%, respectively, to 27.6 GWh and 187.3 GWh.
Romania and Bulgaria saw their hydropower production drop by 11% and 7% respectively compared to the previous week, while Serbia and Turkey saw their hydropower production increase by 12% and 1%, respectively, to 300.9 GWh and 764.3 GWh, thanks to moderate rainfall.
In the same period, thermal energy production in SEE decreased by 10%, to 8.8 TWh. Lignite and gas-based production in Greece decreased by 34% and 35%, respectively, to 133.8 GWh and 267.9 GWh. Bulgaria, the main exporter of electricity in the region, saw a 10% decrease in gas-fired production, while coal-fired production increased by 2%.
