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 week, 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 dispatch
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% drop. Bulgaria’s total thermal generation was broadly stable as higher gas output partly offset lower coal and lignite production.
Drivers behind weekly dispatch shifts
The weekly totals indicate changes in dispatch, but they do not show that every gas-fired unit was replaced directly by coal. Lower demand, renewable output, hydro availability and imports can 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 persists will matter for both electricity prices and gas demand as consumption moves toward winter levels.