Romania’s net electricity imports surged 82.08% to 135.72 GWh in the week ending 20 September, as weaker renewable and hydropower generation increased the country’s reliance on electricity from neighbouring markets.
Wind and solar generation in Romania fell by 25.9%, while hydropower output declined 13.50%. Electricity demand also decreased, dropping 5.83% to 866.61 GWh. Despite lower consumption, the decline in domestic generation resulted in a substantial increase in net imports.
The shift was particularly notable compared with neighbouring Bulgaria, which remained a net electricity exporter, recording an export balance of 247.47 GWh. However, Bulgaria’s net exports also declined, falling 9.90% from the previous week. Romania’s average day-ahead price reached €177.36/MWh, around €15/MWh above Bulgaria’s €162.07/MWh average.
The price difference highlights a potential cross-border trading spread, but it does not automatically translate into a commercial return. Transmission capacity, hourly price movements and the cost of securing cross-border capacity all determine whether such differences can be captured by market participants.
Romania’s weekly average power price remained broadly stable despite the sharp rise in imports. The more significant signal was the change in electricity flows: weaker renewable and hydropower output increased Romania’s dependence on neighbouring markets, even as domestic demand declined.
By Virtu.Energy
