Gas-fired electricity generation across the Southeast European markets covered fell 13.60% in the week to 20 September, a much sharper decline than the 6.37% drop in regional power demand.
Gas-fired output declined to 3,444.30 GWh from 3,986.41 GWh a week earlier. Coal and lignite generation rose 1.30% to 3,380.18 GWh. Total thermal generation fell 6.81% to 6,824.48 GWh.
The country pattern varied. Italy reduced gas-fired output 10.86%, Greece cut it 12.46%, and Türkiye recorded a 26.16% drop. Bulgaria’s total thermal generation was broadly stable as higher gas output partly offset lower coal and lignite production.
The weekly totals show a change in dispatch, but do not establish that every gas-fired unit was replaced directly by coal. Lower demand, renewable output, hydro availability and imports all affect which plants run. Plant efficiency and fuel procurement costs also differ across markets.
The immediate market effect was a lower call on gas-fired generation across the region. Whether that pattern lasts will matter for both electricity prices and gas demand as consumption moves toward winter levels.
By Virtu.Energy
