During Week 24, Italy stayed the most expensive electricity market in Southeast Europe, even as wholesale prices eased. The average day-ahead power price declined by 3.8% week on week to €123.17/MWh. Prices remained well above neighbouring markets, including Greece at €91.53/MWh, Croatia at €92.02/MWh, Serbia at €78.22/MWh, and Türkiye at €22.85/MWh.
Demand growth and higher net imports
Italy’s price premium was supported by its role as the region’s largest demand centre and a key driver of cross-border electricity flows. Italian electricity consumption increased by 319.8 GWh, or 6.7%, reaching 5.12 TWh. The higher load translated into greater reliance on external supply, with net electricity imports rising by 130.9 GWh, or 13.8%, to 1.08 TWh during the week.
Thermal generation increases alongside load
Domestic generation also expanded to cover the higher demand levels seen during Week 24. Italy recorded the region’s largest increase in thermal power production, with output up by 191.1 GWh, or 17.6%. The additional generation was supported by stronger output from both gas-fired and coal-fired power plants.
This pattern continued despite periods of renewable output across the wider area. Thermal generation frequently acts as the marginal source required to balance demand in Italy, according to the week’s production changes. That balancing role is linked to the persistence of elevated wholesale prices in the market.
LNG inflows support fuel availability
LNG market dynamics aligned with the same demand-supporting direction in Italy. LNG imports rebounded sharply, reaching 3,803.52 GWh, up 34.11% versus the previous week . The country continued to attract LNG cargoes due to favourable regasification capacity, strong domestic demand, and competitive regional pricing conditions.
Implications for cross-border trading in Southeast Europe
For electricity exporters across Southeast Europe, Italy remained a key destination market during Week 24 . Strong demand growth and rising import requirements supported cross-border trading opportunities into Italy. Consistently high power prices also contributed to the attractiveness of flows toward the Italian market.
The source data also indicates that even with increased renewable generation across neighbouring systems, Italy’s demand profile helps maintain regional price differentials. This supports Italy’s position as the commercial centre of the Southeast European power market during periods of shifting supply and demand .
