Hydropower production increased significantly across the Southeast European region in the period from November 14 to 20, by 10.6%, to 1,739.4 GWh, primarily thanks to heavy rainfall recorded in most countries of the region.
In all markets, with the exception of Greece, an increase in hydropower production was recorded. In Croatia and Serbia, the highest growth in the production of hydropower plants was recorded, by 158% and 22.6%, respectively. The increase in hydropower production in Bulgaria compared to the previous week was 20.8%.
Production from variable renewable energy sources in Southeast Europe increased significantly in this period – by 40.1%, to 2,274.4 GWh, thanks entirely to strong wind production across the region. In all markets, except for Hungary and Croatia, higher production of wind energy was recorded, with Bulgaria recording the highest percentage growth – 132.3%.
The production of solar energy recorded a significant decrease – by 28.1%, to 263.09 GWh. Romania and Hungary experienced the biggest drop in solar energy production, by 65.4% and 46.7%, respectively. Greece significantly increased its total production from renewable sources in this period by 19.9%, to 359.6 GWh.
Production in thermal power plants decreased in the region by 4%, to 8,098.4 GWh. Coal-fired generation increased by 0.9% (to 4,327.6 GWh) while gas-fired generation decreased by 9% (to 3,770.81 GWh) as the price of natural gas increased.
Bulgaria, the region’s main electricity exporter, saw coal and gas-fired generation rise by 11.8% and 30.4%, respectively, as the country witnessed a strong increase in electricity demand.
