Serbia shifted from being a net electricity exporter to a net importer in the week ending 20 September, as a sharp decline in wind and solar generation altered the country’s power balance despite a significant increase in hydropower output.
Serbia recorded 14.89 GWh of net electricity imports, compared with 23.84 GWh of net exports in the previous week. Variable renewable generation dropped by 69.6%, the largest percentage decline among the markets covered. Hydropower generation, meanwhile, increased 74.14% to 42.98 GWh, but the rise was not sufficient to keep Serbia in a net export position.
Electricity demand also declined, falling 4.12% to 552.38 GWh. Serbia’s average day-ahead power price decreased 2.72% to €151.46/MWh, making it the second-cheapest market in the report after Türkiye. The move into net imports therefore came without a corresponding price surge.
The weekly data highlight how quickly Serbia’s electricity trade balance can change in response to shifts in renewable generation. For power producers and suppliers, the key issue is how effectively hydropower, thermal generation and cross-border imports can compensate for fluctuations in wind and solar output while maintaining competitive prices.
Serbia’s imports occurred during a relatively low-price week, limiting the immediate commercial impact. However, a similar decline in renewable generation during a period of elevated regional prices could create significantly greater exposure for the country’s electricity market.
By Virtu.Energy
