HEP reports reservoir levels near seasonal averages
Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP) said reservoir levels at its hydropower plants remained close to seasonal averages. The stored water provides enough flexibility to support generation. HEP also noted deteriorating river conditions that are affecting hydropower availability across Southeast Europe.
With prolonged drought and unusually low river levels, the country’s electricity system remains operational. At the same time, HEP said the balance is increasingly reliant on imported electricity during periods of high summer consumption.
Domestic generation and imports cover demand during heatwaves
HEP said it is covering demand through a combination of domestic generation and imports. The company is paying particular attention to heatwave periods when cooling demand rises. Those periods coincide with potential restrictions for hydro production and river-cooled thermal generation.
HEP’s operational focus is linked to the timing of higher demand and constraints on generation resources.
4 August balance shows net imports exceeding 1,197 MW
The scale of Croatia’s import requirement was visible in the regional balance for 4 August. Forecast consumption stood at 2,589 MW, while domestic generation was estimated at 1,391 MW. Average net imports were approximately 1,197 MW, meaning imports covered more than 46% of demand.
The largest scheduled supplies came from Slovenia and Hungary. Croatia imported approximately 672 MW from Slovenia and 424 MW from Hungary, with smaller volumes from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
CROPEX prices reflect evening scarcity amid regional competition
The import structure supported physical security but exposed Croatia to an evening scarcity premium in Central and Southeast Europe. On the CROPEX market, clearing was reported at €191.92/MWh. The maximum hourly price reached €478.80/MWh.
HEP linked the price pattern to declining solar generation and competition among regional systems for flexible capacity.
Drought risk extends beyond hydro output in neighbouring markets
HEP warned that further deterioration in regional hydrology could reduce generation in neighbouring countries and increase competition for imports. It cited Romania’s nuclear difficulties, weak Serbian hydro output, and tighter Hungarian availability as examples of constraints affecting supply.
Croatia’s reservoirs provide short-term operational flexibility, but they cannot fully insulate the system from regional market conditions. HEP said drought is making interconnection availability, reservoir dispatch strategy, and evening procurement key determinants of supply cost.
