Report consists from internal anaysis and an elaboration of data obtained from ENTSO-E
South
East
Europe
AL
BA
BG
HR
GR
HU
KS
MK
MN
RO
RS
SI
* presented report includes Greece
* Due to lack of data provided by ENTSO-E, Kosovo results are omitted from the report
Kosovo
Highlighted News
2
ALBANIA
Tirana
Korçë cathedral
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Albania has an electricity sector that completely relies on hydro power and imports. It does not emit CO2, but is highly dependent on importing electricity. Imports satisfied over 40% of the country’s overall demand.
The country seems to slowly move in the direction of sustainable energy. In this light, Albanian state-owned utility recently announced plans to develop a 12.9 MW floating solar unit. However, no considerable RES were implemented so far.
Three of the country’s key issues are:
1.
2.
3.
Lack of a stable and concise regulatory framework in line with European standards;
Lack of a coherent energy development strategy that would define straight-cut goals and a detailed plan of action;
Complicated bureaucratic procedures and prolonged permitting processes.
Until these issues are not resolved, it seems that the energy sector will hardy be able to move forward. Any larger investment would require some form of government support or a public-private partnership.
Country News
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Stari Most Mostar
Sarajevo
Population
Nominal GDP
El. demand
TSO
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity generation in 2017
Bosnia and Herzegovina heavily relies on its lignite fired power plant fleet. In fact, in September 2016, a new 300 MW lignite power plant of Stanari started commercial operation underlining the country’s commitment to its thermal power portfolio
Despite emitting a great deal of CO2, the country:
1.
2.
3.
Has no long-term strategy regarding the reduction of carbon emissions;
Is not a part of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), nor does it plan to become a member of the scheme;
Does not have plans that entail the adoption of EU acquis communautaire in a short-term period.
Despite ambitious plans regarding renewables, the country did not have a significant operational renewable energy source in 2017. However, a number of wind farm projects are being developed by private entities, most of them trying to complete the permitting processes. These projects have the potential to add several hundred megawatts of renewable energy capacity.
It would be of the utmost importance for the country to carefully examine all the examples of RES implementation in the nearby surroundings in order to avoid the mistakes and issues some of the countries faced. It is inevitable that subsidising renewables will present an additional expense for the energy sector. Raised costs should be reflected on electricity prices for end consumers. However, raising household electricity prices proved to be a very delicate problem for a number of countries in the region as it directly affected the living standard of citizens. On the other hand, having electricity prices that do not reflect on the production costs, can only result in a serious distortion and lead to considerable financial losses that would undermine the stability of the entire energy sector. Until then, the country will continue to use its lignite units (70% of demand) and hydro power plants (30% of demand) to produce electricity.
Country News
BULGARIA
Sofia, Aleksandr Nevskij Cathedral
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity generation in 2017
Bulgaria’s electricity production relies on the Belene (2000 MW) and Kozloduy (1920 MW) nuclear power plants and on its thermal power plant portfolio. Together, they cover over 80% of demand. During 2017, nuclear power plants produced 14.7 TWh, while thermal power plants had an output of 19.4 TWh of electricity.
For a period, the country’s renewable energy sector recorded significant growth. However, after having reached approximately 1800 MW of renewable energy capacity and after experiencing difficulties in covering its financial obligations, the country put renewables on a hold.
As reported by Bulgarian news outlets, the Government recently started contemplating the idea of a building new nuclear power plant on the existing Belene site. This would continue the abandoned Belene 2 project in which Russian based Atomstroyexport was picked to construct a two unit (1000 MW each) power plant. The country will now look to find a strategic partner to complete the project.
Country News
GREECE
Santorini
Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Greece is the leader of the region when it comes to implementing renewable energy. It recently announced a continuation of their efforts and plans to add more renewable capacities in the near future, as well. The country already has most renewable capacities installed (4800 MW) and the highest share of renewable energy in the electricity balance (16%, as Romania). However, without having more hydro power capacities, Greece is far too reliant on its thermal power plant portfolio. Covering 61% of the country’s electricity demand, only Bosnia (70%) and Serbia (73%) have a higher share of thermal power plants in their electricity balances.
As far as the generation portfolio goes, Greece closed a number of thermal power plants and recorded the most significant reduction in installed capacities in the region. Overall, observing the 2014-2017 period, despite adding 900 MW of new thermal power plants, the country recorded a reduction in its thermal portfolio of 3500 MW and a reduction in the overall installed capacity of over 4300 MW. These reductions did little to aid the country’s electricity balance. During 2017, the country had to import 15% of its electricity needs.
Country News
CROATIA
Zagreb
Dubrovnik
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Croatia has a diversified generation portfolio, but is far too reliant on electricity imports to maintain a reliable and affordable supply. Even when taking into account that half of nuclear power plant Krško production belongs to Croatia, the country still had to import 27% of its electricity needs.
Hydro power is the dominant source of electricity (27%), but a considerable proportion of demand is satisfied by thermal power plants, as well (22%).
Croatia made considerable efforts in implementing renewable energy sources resulting in an end-year net installed capacity of just below 700 MW and a 7% share in the electricity balance. In addition, Croatia aims to further expand its renewable energy portfolio and will offer new incentive schemes for investments in renewables.
Country News
HUNGARY
Széchenyi Lánchíd
Budapest
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Hungary is the largest net importer of electricity in the region having covered 36% of electricity demand in 2017 by imports. The rest of electricity balance is covered by the 1887 MW Paks nuclear power plant and by the country’s thermal portfolio. Both hydro and renewable energy play a minor role in the energy mix.
Hungarian state owned utility MVM initiated several renewable energy projects, mostly directed in solar power. However, in order to facilitate a serious shift towards sustainable energy solutions, a different, more strategic approach will have to be taken.
As things currently stand, Hungary will focus on expanding its nuclear portfolio by adding another 2400 MW on the existing Paks site. The €12.5 billion Paks II project will be led by Russian based Rosatom with works aimed to start during 2019.
Country News
MONTENEGRO
Boka kotorska
Durmitor National Park
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Montenegrin electricity sector is dominated by hydro power and the lignite based thermal power plant of Pljevlja. It is by far the smallest energy system of the region consuming just over 3.2 TWh per year. Montenegro is highly dependent on imports with a similar import rate as Hungary, which in 2017 amounted to a 35% share in demand.
Montenegro has plans for fostering renewable energy and offers subsidies for new renewable generation capacities. The country’s first renewable energy source is the 72 MW wind farm of Krnovo, which started commercial operation in 2017. Additionally, there are several wind farm projects currently being developed by independent players that have the potential to significantly change the landscape of the country’s generation mix.
Apart from renewables, the Montenegrin government has, for quite some time, been pursuing the project of expanding the Pljevlja thermal power plant. Czech based Škoda Praha was selected as the strategic partner in the €324.5 million project. However, Škoda encountered problems trying to close the financial construction of the unit and the Government was forced to cancel the deal.
Country News
MACEDONIA
Skopje, Alexander the Great
Ohrid Lake
Population
Nominal GDP
El. demand
TSO
2,876,591
€33.42 billion
7.123 TWh
KESH
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Albania has an electricity sector that completely relies on hydro power and imports. It does not emit CO2, but is highly dependent on importing electricity. Imports satisfied over 40% of the country’s overall demand.
The country seems to slowly move in the direction of sustainable energy. In this light, Albanian state-owned utility recently announced plans to develop a 12.9 MW floating solar unit. However, no considerable RES were implemented so far.
Three of the country’s key issues are:
1.
2.
3.
Lack of a stable and concise regulatory framework in line with European standards;
Lack of a coherent energy development strategy that would define straight-cut goals and a detailed plan of action;
Complicated bureaucratic procedures and prolonged permitting processes.
Until these issues are not resolved, it seems that the energy sector will hardy be able to move forward. Any larger investment would require some form of government support or a public-private partnership.
Country News
ROMANIA
Bucharest
Population
Nominal GDP
El. demand
TSO
2,876,591
€33.42 billion
7.123 TWh
KESH
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Albania has an electricity sector that completely relies on hydro power and imports. It does not emit CO2, but is highly dependent on importing electricity. Imports satisfied over 40% of the country’s overall demand.
The country seems to slowly move in the direction of sustainable energy. In this light, Albanian state-owned utility recently announced plans to develop a 12.9 MW floating solar unit. However, no considerable RES were implemented so far.
Three of the country’s key issues are:
1.
2.
3.
Lack of a stable and concise regulatory framework in line with European standards;
Lack of a coherent energy development strategy that would define straight-cut goals and a detailed plan of action;
Complicated bureaucratic procedures and prolonged permitting processes.
Until these issues are not resolved, it seems that the energy sector will hardy be able to move forward. Any larger investment would require some form of government support or a public-private partnership.
Country News
SERBIA
Beograd
Population
Nominal GDP
El. demand
TSO
2,876,591
€33.42 billion
7.123 TWh
KESH
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Albania has an electricity sector that completely relies on hydro power and imports. It does not emit CO2, but is highly dependent on importing electricity. Imports satisfied over 40% of the country’s overall demand.
The country seems to slowly move in the direction of sustainable energy. In this light, Albanian state-owned utility recently announced plans to develop a 12.9 MW floating solar unit. However, no considerable RES were implemented so far.
Three of the country’s key issues are:
1.
2.
3.
Lack of a stable and concise regulatory framework in line with European standards;
Lack of a coherent energy development strategy that would define straight-cut goals and a detailed plan of action;
Complicated bureaucratic procedures and prolonged permitting processes.
Until these issues are not resolved, it seems that the energy sector will hardy be able to move forward. Any larger investment would require some form of government support or a public-private partnership.
Country News
SLOVENIA
Ljubljana
Bled Lake
Population
Nominal GDP
El. demand
TSO
2,876,591
€33.42 billion
7.123 TWh
KESH
Generation mix 2014-2017,MW
Electricity balance in 2017
Albania has an electricity sector that completely relies on hydro power and imports. It does not emit CO2, but is highly dependent on importing electricity. Imports satisfied over 40% of the country’s overall demand.
The country seems to slowly move in the direction of sustainable energy. In this light, Albanian state-owned utility recently announced plans to develop a 12.9 MW floating solar unit. However, no considerable RES were implemented so far.
Three of the country’s key issues are:
1.
2.
3.
Lack of a stable and concise regulatory framework in line with European standards;
Lack of a coherent energy development strategy that would define straight-cut goals and a detailed plan of action;
Complicated bureaucratic procedures and prolonged permitting processes.
Until these issues are not resolved, it seems that the energy sector will hardy be able to move forward. Any larger investment would require some form of government support or a public-private partnership.
