Production from variable renewable energy sources in Southeast Europe, in the period from December 12 to 18, increased by 3%, to 1.97 TWh thanks to higher production of wind and solar energy.
Wind production was affected by strong winds in the northern part of the region, which increased production by 3% compared to the previous week, to 1.72 TWh. Romania and Bulgaria recorded the highest production growth – by 33% and 17%, respectively.
Solar production in the SEE region recorded a moderate growth of 3%, to a total of 251.2 GWh. All markets in the region saw an increase in solar production, except Romania and Turkey. Bulgaria and Hungary recorded the largest increase in the contribution of solar energy, by 70% and 77%, respectively, compared to the previous week.
Greece slightly increased wind and solar generation this week, by 0.3% to 267 GWh.
At the same time, the total contribution of hydropower rose moderately in the region, by 11.5%, to 2.27 TWh, thanks primarily to heavy rainfall in most countries of the SEE region during the week.
All markets in the region, except Hungary, registered high hydropower production, with Greece and Serbia recording the largest percentage increases during the week, by 108% and 31%, respectively, to 55 GWh and 268 GWh.
Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania recorded an increase in hydropower production by 28%, 18% and 9%, respectively, compared to the previous week, while Hungary recorded a 70% lower hydropower production (0.67 GWh in total).
Thermal energy production was lower during the week, recording a marginal decline of 1.4%, to 9.76 TWh. Lignite-based generation in Greece rose 13% to 202.8 GWh, while gas-fired generation fell 8% to 412 GWh as natural gas prices fluctuated.
Bulgaria remains the main exporter of electricity in the region, recording a 12% increase in coal-fired generation, while gas-fired generation was only 0.5% higher.
