Bulgaria became a net electricity importer in the week ended November 1, as rising demand and lower wind and solar output weighed on its power balance. The shift from being a net electricity seller was highlighted in the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE)’s latest regional electricity analysis.
The country’s position moved from net exports of 21.39 GWh in the previous week to net imports of 74.90 GWh, a swing of 96.29 GWh. Electricity demand rose by 9.36%, the largest weekly increase among the eight markets monitored, while variable renewable generation fell by 38.5%. Thermal generation increased by 8.94% and hydropower output by 19.59%, but the gains did not fully offset higher demand and weaker wind and solar production.
Bulgaria’s average day-ahead electricity price rose by approximately 11% to €284.10/MWh, approaching levels in Romania, Serbia and Hungary. The change in its trade position is relevant to neighbouring electricity markets: Bulgaria shifted from a potential source of surplus power to an additional source of regional import demand.
Regional impact and limits of weekly data
The weekly net-import position does not identify the cross-border trading routes or the hours when supply was tightest, and it does not necessarily point to a shortage of domestic generating capacity. The figures nevertheless show how weather-dependent renewable output and changes in consumption can quickly alter national trade positions, particularly when neighbouring markets are also facing elevated wholesale prices.
