Gas-fired generation in Southeast Europe fell sharply in the week to 20 September, while coal and lignite output increased. The decline in gas-fired electricity was larger than the reduction in regional power demand. Total thermal generation also decreased over the same period.
Gas-fired electricity generation across the Southeast European markets covered fell 13.60% in the week to 20 September, compared with a 6.37% drop in regional power demand. Gas-fired output declined to 3,444.30 GWh from 3,986.41 GWh a week earlier. Over the same period, coal and lignite generation rose 1.30% to 3,380.18 GWh. Total thermal generation fell 6.81% to 6,824.48 GWh.
Country-level changes in gas-fired output
The country pattern varied across the region. Italy reduced gas-fired output by 10.86%, Greece cut it by 12.46%, and Türkiye recorded a 26.16% decline. Bulgaria’s total thermal generation was broadly stable as higher gas output partly offset lower coal and lignite production.
Dispatch shifts and drivers of plant selection
The weekly totals reflect changes in dispatch but do not show that every gas-fired unit was replaced directly by coal. Lower demand, renewable output, hydro availability and imports can all influence which plants run. Plant efficiency and fuel procurement costs also differ across markets.
Implications for near-term market calls
The immediate market effect was a lower call on gas-fired generation across the region. Whether this pattern persists will affect both electricity prices and gas demand as consumption moves toward winter levels.