Italy remained the most expensive electricity market in Southeast Europe during Week 24, with wholesale prices easing while the premium persisted. The average day-ahead power price declined by 3.8% week on week to €123.17/MWh. Despite the fall, it stayed well above neighbouring markets, including Greece at €91.53/MWh, Croatia at €92.02/MWh, Serbia at €78.22/MWh, and Türkiye at €22.85/MWh.
Demand growth lifts import needs
Italy’s price premium was supported by its role as the region’s largest demand centre and a key driver of cross-border electricity flows. Italian electricity consumption rose by 319.8 GWh, or 6.7%, reaching 5.12 TWh. Higher load translated into increased external supply requirements, with net electricity imports up by 130.9 GWh, or 13.8%, to 1.08 TWh during the week.
Thermal generation expands alongside higher load
Domestic generation increased to cover the higher demand levels recorded in Italy during Week 24. Italy logged the region’s largest rise in thermal output, with production up by 191.1 GWh, or 17.6%. The increase was supported by stronger generation from both gas-fired and coal-fired power plants.
The data point to a balancing pattern in the Italian market, where thermal generation often remains the marginal source required to meet demand even when renewable output is robust. This operating dynamic is linked to sustained elevated wholesale prices in the market.
LNG inflows rebound as Italy attracts cargoes
Fuel market developments aligned with the broader demand and generation picture. LNG imports into Italy rebounded sharply, reaching 3,803.52 GWh, up 34.11% compared with the previous week. Italy continued to attract LNG cargoes on the back of favourable regasification capacity, strong domestic demand, and competitive regional pricing conditions.
Cross-border trading outlook for regional exporters
Across Southeast Europe, Italy remained the region’s most important destination market for electricity exports during the week. Strong demand growth and rising import requirements supported cross-border trading opportunities into Italy alongside consistently high power prices.
The same pricing differentials were maintained even as renewable generation increased across neighbouring systems, reflecting Italy’s structural demand profile in sustaining regional price gaps.