Bulgarian electricity generation rose in the first seven and a half months of 2026, with output increasing while conventional baseload production declined. Electricity production from 1 January to 16 August reached 27.86 TWh, up 8.34% year on year, according to the Bulgarian transmission system operator ESO. Domestic consumption over the same period increased by 6.91% to 25.78 TWh.
With generation still exceeding demand, Bulgaria recorded net electricity exports of approximately 2.07 TWh. This surplus supports Bulgaria’s position as an exporting system in southeast Europe, including during periods when neighbouring markets need additional baseload or daytime supply. The export balance through mid-August indicates that higher domestic consumption has not removed the regional supply surplus.
Changing generation mix: coal and nuclear down
The generation profile is shifting as coal and nuclear output declines. Coal and nuclear plants together produced 17.32 TWh, down 6% versus the corresponding period in 2025. At the same time, renewable generation expanded across both transmission-connected and distribution-connected segments.
Renewables rise across transmission and distribution networks
Renewable electricity connected to the transmission network increased by 18.25% to 3,109.2 GWh. Renewable generation within distribution networks rose by 7.17% to 2,853.8 GWh. The changes reflect higher total output supported increasingly by renewable capacity rather than additional conventional baseload generation.
The shift affects not only annual generation volumes but also hourly system conditions. Higher solar output can strengthen daytime export capability while increasing requirements for dispatchable capacity, storage and cross-border trading during the evening ramp. Bulgaria’s nuclear fleet remains a stabilising element by providing a relatively predictable baseload block beneath more variable renewable production.
Export surplus depends on renewables, nuclear and coal operations
The net export position of about 2.07 TWh, accumulated through mid-August, shows that demand growth has so far not eliminated Bulgaria’s regional supply surplus. The durability of that position depends on renewable availability, nuclear generation, hydrology and the operating profile of the coal fleet as the mix continues to change.
