Bulgarian electricity production increased between 1 January and 5 July 2026, according to data published by the transmission system operator ESO. Output rose by 3.96% year on year to 22.27 TWh. Electricity consumption also grew over the same period, climbing by 6.82% to 21.4 TWh.
Despite higher domestic demand, Bulgaria remained a net electricity exporter. Net exports reached 866.6 GWh in the first half of 2026. These figures were reported alongside the changes in generation and consumption during the January-to-July window.
Baseload generation declines while coal and nuclear output falls
The generation mix continued to shift toward lower-carbon sources, with baseload plants producing less electricity. Coal-fired and nuclear facilities generated a combined 14.14 TWh. That total was 10.6% lower than in the same period of 2025.
The decline in baseload output coincided with continued growth in demand and overall generation levels. While production rose year on year, the contribution from traditional baseload sources decreased compared with the previous year’s January-to-July period.
Renewables expand across transmission and distribution networks
Renewable energy sources increased their role in Bulgaria’s power system during the period. RES generation connected to the transmission network rose by 12.89% to 2,216.9 GWh. Renewable production within the distribution network increased by 3.9% to 2,127.3 GWh.
The expansion of renewable generation occurred alongside continued operation of nuclear facilities and coal-fired plants supplying baseload volumes. With renewables growing on both transmission-connected and distribution-connected pathways, their share of total generation increased relative to earlier levels.
Cross-border export balance supported by higher generation capacity
Bulgaria’s first-half export position remained positive despite rising consumption. Net exports of 866.6 GWh were maintained while electricity production reached 22.27 TWh. The reported changes indicate that higher overall generation capacity and expanding renewable output supported supply for domestic demand and exports.
The figures also reflect broader market dynamics across Southeast Europe referenced in the reporting, where flexible and low-carbon electricity sources are increasingly relevant for both supply security and cross-border trade . Within that context, Bulgaria’s 2026 performance shows continued emphasis on renewables alongside nuclear generation .
