Romania imports massive electricity as Greece and Bulgaria export

Greece and Bulgaria have shifted from net importers to net exporters of electricity. In June, Greece exported 667.7 GWh and Bulgaria 470.2 GWh, supplying a broader region that faces a production deficit.

Romania is a major electricity importer, taking in roughly 495 GWh, while Hungary, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine also rely on imports. The high import volume contributes to electricity prices in Romania that are well above the EU average – about three times higher than in Hungary and roughly double Bulgaria’s price.

Bulgaria’s export strength stems from rapid investment in battery storage, earning it the nickname “Battery of the Balkans.” Around €2 billion in private capital and grant funding has given the country leading storage capacity relative to the size of its power system.

Greek deputy minister of environment and energy Nikos Tsafos highlighted that the regional market functions as an integrated system rather than isolated national markets, allowing electricity to flow from surplus to deficit areas.