The production of hydroelectric power plants in Southeast Europe decreased in the period from November 28 to December 4 by nearly 7%, to 1.93 TWh, as a result of low rainfall in most countries in the region. All markets in the region, except Greece and Hungary, recorded lower hydropower production, with Croatia and Serbia recording the biggest declines during the week, by 22% and 16%, respectively, to 148.7 GWh and 206.8 GWh. In Greece and Hungary, production in hydropower plants increased by 19% and 16%, respectively, compared to the previous week, to 34 GWh and 2.2 GWh, respectively, thanks to abundant rainfall.
Production from variable renewable energy sources in Southeast Europe fell during this period by 29%, to 1.71 TWh, due to low production in solar and wind farms. Wind energy production decreased by 28% compared to the previous week, to 1.27 GWh. In all markets in the region, except for Bulgaria and Romania, lower wind energy production was recorded.
The contribution of solar energy recorded a significant drop, by as much as 30%, to 201.6 GWh. Bulgaria and Romania saw the biggest declines in solar power production, down around 80% in both countries compared to the previous week.
Greece significantly reduced the total production from renewable sources, by 33.6%, to 248.3 GWh.
Production in thermal power plants increased in the same period by 22%, to close to 10 TWh. Coal-based production increased by 4.7% (to 4.42 TWh) and gas-based production by 41% (to 5.37 TWh). Lignite and gas-fired generation in Greece increased by 45% and 69%, respectively, to 113 GWh and 492 GWh, as demand for electricity increased.
Bulgaria, which remains the leading exporter of electricity in the region, saw a 12% increase in production at coal-fired thermal power plants, which is proportional to the increase in consumption, while gas-based production fell by 4%.
