Bulgaria’s net electricity exports reached approximately 3.5 TWh by early October, up 62% from 2.16 TWh a year earlier. The increase was linked to higher renewable output helping generation run ahead of domestic demand.
Total electricity production rose 12.24%, while consumption increased by 8.45%. The resulting gap supported a larger surplus for neighbouring markets.
Renewables and storage drive higher generation surplus
Renewable generation reached 11.5 TWh, almost 34% higher than a year earlier. The Association for Production, Storage and Trading of Electricity, APSTE, said renewables accounted for nearly 80% of the increase in overall production.
Battery discharge also expanded sharply, with storage systems delivering approximately 1,720 GWh to the network through October 4. This compared with around 190 GWh in the corresponding period of 2025.
The additional battery discharge represents electricity shifted between periods rather than a separate primary energy source. APSTE said the growing contribution helps more daytime production reach the market during higher-demand evening hours.
Summer export support and winter balance concerns
Bulgaria maintained exports during summer periods when heat and low Danube water levels constrained generation elsewhere. Nuclear output from Kozloduy also supported supply.
APSTE warned that solar and batteries alone cannot resolve the winter balance, when solar production declines and demand rises. It called for faster wind development to complement the expanding solar fleet.
The export gains show the value of additional renewable production and storage, but maintaining that position through winter will require a different seasonal supply mix.
