Electricity prices on Croatia’s CROPEX exchange rose in September even as trading volumes were lower than in August. The higher price level increased wholesale procurement costs while exchange activity remained above year-earlier levels.
Total electricity traded on CROPEX reached 1.364 TWh in September. This was down 9.9% month on month but up 25% compared with September 2025.
Day-ahead and intraday volumes
Trading on the day-ahead market accounted for 902.8 GWh. Intraday trading reached 461.1 GWh. Average daily day-ahead turnover was approximately 30.1 GWh.
The average day-ahead baseload price increased by 14% to €172.80/MWh. The peak-load average rose by 15.7% to €143.86/MWh. Peak-load electricity remained approximately €28.94/MWh cheaper than baseload.
Price spreads and market coupling timeline
The intraday market averaged €175.40/MWh, slightly above the day-ahead baseload price. CROPEX is jointly owned by transmission operator HOPS and electricity market operator HROTE. The day-ahead market began operating in 2016, followed by intraday trading in 2017.
CROPEX coupling through the Croatian-Slovenian border started in 2018. September’s figures showed continued growth in exchange activity versus last year alongside lower monthly turnover.
The combination of higher prices and reduced turnover highlighted the difference between market liquidity and the cost of securing electricity through the exchange.
