Southeast Europe entered the summer demand period with regional electricity consumption rising while average power prices fell across most markets. In Week 24, regional demand reached 15.85 TWh, up 4.6% week-on-week. Price movements ran in the opposite direction from the demand increase.
Demand growth across Italy, Türkiye and Greece
The strongest demand expansion was recorded in Italy and Türkiye. Italy added 319.8 GWh, increasing consumption by 6.7% to 5.12 TWh. Türkiye’s load rose by 246.7 GWh, up 3.8% to 6.74 TWh.
Greece also posted a notable increase, with consumption up 5.8% to 1.01 TWh. Additional growth was reported across Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, contributing to a higher regional load profile for the week.
Renewables rise as wind and solar output increases
Alongside the demand uptick, prices softened across most markets as renewable generation increased. Regional wind and solar output climbed to 3.64 TWh, up 16.6% week-on-week. Solar generation reached 2.23 TWh, while wind production increased to 1.40 TWh.
The higher renewable contribution coincided with improved supply conditions during a period of elevated consumption, affecting how prices formed across the region.
Average price declines in most markets; Greece rises
Serbia recorded the steepest price drop, falling 21.5% to €78.22/MWh. Bulgaria declined 7.2% to €93.58/MWh, followed by Croatia down 7.3% to €92.02/MWh. Romania fell 4.7% to €97.38/MWh, while Hungary decreased 4.3% to €98.71/MWh.
Italy also saw a decline, down 3.8% to €123.17/MWh. Greece was the only outlier, with prices rising 2.6% to €91.53/MWh.
Week 24 balancing factors tied to demand shape and generation mix
The week reflected a summer pattern in SEE power markets, with higher temperatures supporting electricity demand while additional solar and wind generation absorbed daytime load and reduced average prices across many markets. The evening demand curve remained a key element for system balancing costs.
Hydropower variability and thermal dispatch were also identified as important determinants of balancing costs during Week 24, when demand was not weak but price formation shifted alongside a stronger renewable-driven supply environment.
