Croatia recorded a 54.3% fall in variable renewable generation in the week to 20 September, while its net electricity imports increased. Hydropower output rose 34.28%, offsetting part of the wind and solar decline. Croatian electricity demand fell 9.76% to 325.54 GWh.
Renewables decline and import increase
The rise in hydropower output did not prevent a 4.20% increase in Croatia’s net imports. The demand contraction coincided with weaker variable renewable generation, indicating a shift in the country’s supply mix during the period. The figures show changes at weekly level rather than the hourly breakdown of generation sources.
Hourly balancing implications for suppliers and hydro
The data do not show how much of the renewable shortfall was covered by hydro, domestic thermal plants, or imports in each hour. That distinction can affect commercial and operational decisions during periods of low wind and solar output. Suppliers must meet delivery commitments when variable renewables fall, while hydro operators face choices over when to use available generation.
Import prices and border capacity can influence both supplier coverage needs and hydro dispatch decisions. Croatia’s weekly average power price eased slightly by 0.35%. Despite the modest price move, cross-border purchases increased as renewable output fell and demand contracted.