Week 26 wholesale electricity prices across Southeast Europe remained under pressure, with implications for industrial exporters subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Hourly price patterns were highlighted as increasingly important for electricity procurement decisions. The data points to a market environment shaped by rising demand and higher reliance on thermal generation during peak periods.
Wholesale price levels across regional markets
Weekly average prices varied across countries during Week 26, with Hungary at €149.92/MWh and Romania at €148.78/MWh. Italy averaged €144.67/MWh and Croatia €139.09/MWh. Serbia recorded €110.77/MWh and Bulgaria €104.24/MWh.
Beyond the weekly averages, the hourly price profile was described as a key factor affecting effective electricity costs. Industrial consumers with significant load during evening peak periods may experience higher costs than weekly figures indicate. This pattern was linked to sharp increases in evening power prices.
Thermal generation shifts and carbon accounting under CBAM
Thermal electricity generation increased across Southeast Europe during Week 26, rising by 24.7%. Gas-fired generation grew by 25.5%, while coal and lignite generation increased by 23.6%. The changing generation mix was noted as relevant for CBAM-related embedded emissions reporting.
For exporters aiming to demonstrate lower embedded emissions under CBAM, greater use of thermal generation during peak demand can affect carbon accounting. The source material links this risk to the need for reliable renewable electricity supplies supported by monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). It also ties procurement choices to how physical electricity consumption is reflected in carbon calculations.
Renewable electricity evidence for procurement contracts
Verified renewable electricity was presented as increasingly important for industrial buyers rather than limited to annual sustainability claims. Under evolving expectations, contracts are expected to show the source of generation and delivery timing. They also require metering data and balancing arrangements.
The documentation requirements extend to Guarantees of Origin or comparable certification instruments. Buyers are also expected to provide credible evidence connecting physical electricity consumption to documented renewable supply. Under CBAM, assessment is described as covering both electricity prices and the quality and transparency of carbon-related documentation.
Market structure effects for renewable producers and industrial buyers
Wind, solar and hybrid projects supplying industrial consumers were identified as potential beneficiaries of the contracting shift toward verified MRV frameworks. The source material states that verified support can improve project bankability and strengthen long-term offtake agreements. It also notes reduced risk of disputes involving generators, industrial buyers and European customers.
The value described in the source is tied to delivering a fully verified and auditable renewable energy product. Week 26 was also used to illustrate rapid changes in market conditions following extreme heat across Southeast Europe. The same period was associated with higher thermal generation within a few days.
Hourly visibility and risk management during volatile periods
The source material links lack of visibility into hourly electricity procurement with simultaneous increases in energy costs and carbon exposure. It contrasts this with businesses supported by structured renewable procurement, battery storage, demand flexibility or optimized consumption profiles. These measures were described as improving positioning for managing both financial exposure and emissions-related risks.
As CBAM implementation advances, the source indicates that electricity markets are unlikely to become less volatile. It further states that the quality, transparency and carbon integrity of electricity procurement will become more significant for industrial producers across Southeast Europe.
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