Bulgaria recorded a net electricity export surplus of 3.69 TWh between January 1 and October 18, 2026. The surplus was linked to power generation rising faster than domestic demand, with higher renewable output offsetting lower production from coal and nuclear plants.
During the same period, electricity production reached 36.23 TWh, up 12.41% compared with the corresponding months of 2025. Electricity consumption increased 8.32% to 32.54 TWh. The resulting gap supported Bulgaria’s position as a supplier to neighbouring markets despite stronger domestic use.
Generation mix shifts between coal, nuclear and renewables
Coal and nuclear plants generated a combined 22.32 TWh, down 3.5% year on year. Even with the decline, these units accounted for approximately 61.6% of total electricity production in the period. Their share reflected continued weight in Bulgaria’s overall supply balance.
Renewable generation connected to the transmission network increased by 30.34% to 4,344.2 GWh. Output from renewables connected to distribution networks rose 12.64% to 3,795.5 GWh. Together, the two renewable categories supplied approximately 8.14 TWh, equivalent to around 22.5% of total production.
Implications for regional supply during high-demand periods
The data indicate a changing generation mix as overall output expanded while coal and nuclear generation fell. Renewables contributed more to meeting domestic demand while supporting the maintenance of the export surplus over the period.
For neighbouring electricity markets, Bulgaria’s positive annual balance remains significant based on the reported figures. However, supplying power during individual high-demand periods depends on generation availability and timing rather than the cumulative export surplus alone.
