Southeast Europe electricity prices fluctuate amid solar recovery

Electricity prices across Southeast Europe saw a general decline on Friday, driven by lower demand and a significant recovery in solar generation. Regional solar production was forecast at approximately 5.15 GW, an increase of more than 2 GW compared to the previous day, which helped ease the regional energy balance.

Despite the downward trend, several eastern markets remained relatively expensive due to continued import dependence. Romania recorded the highest prices in the region at €250.35/MWh, followed by Montenegro at €246.60/MWh and Bulgaria at €245.91/MWh. In Bulgaria, the Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX) reported an average baseload price of EUR 250.17/MWh for delivery on 22 October, a 2.05% increase from the previous day. Peak-load prices in Bulgaria rose by 15.23% to EUR 269.84/MWh.

Other regional benchmarks also saw decreases, including Hungary’s HUPX, which fell to €234.07/MWh, and Serbia’s SEEPEX, which dropped to €242.27/MWh. Conversely, prices rose in Greece and Italy. The shifting generation mix, characterized by high solar output during the day, is increasingly suppressing daytime peak prices and shifting scarcity toward morning and evening hours.