Bulgaria sees higher power output and demand in early 2026 as imports rise

Bulgaria’s electricity system recorded growth on both the supply and demand sides in early 2026, according to data published by transmission system operator ESO. Between 1 January and 17 May 2026, electricity production rose by 2.22% versus the same period of 2025 to reach 17 TWh.

Consumption climbs faster than output

Electricity consumption also expanded meaningfully over the observed period. Demand increased by 7.18% to 16.78 TWh, widening the gap between domestic use and local generation. Reflecting higher domestic demand, Bulgaria registered net electricity imports of 215 GWh during the same timeframe.

Conventional generation declines while renewables grow

Within the generation mix, baseload power plants—including coal-fired and nuclear facilities—produced a combined 11.58 TWh in early 2026, down 10.6% compared with the previous year. At the same time, renewable energy sources continued to gain ground: RES generation connected to Bulgaria’s transmission network increased by 11.37% to 1,408.7 GWh, while renewable electricity produced within the distribution network rose by 3.12% to 1,385.5 GWh.

The figures point to a system balancing growing consumption with shifting generation patterns—higher renewables output offsetting declines in coal and nuclear production, while import needs rose as demand outpaced domestic supply.