Greece is the energy feeder of the Balkans - Exports more than tripled this year

In fact, domestic production now covers a significant part of the demand in almost all Balkan countries, with the result that our country has evolved into a... power outlet for the entire wider region.

The data for the first quarter of 2026, from the corresponding monthly bulletins of IPTO, leave no room for misinterpretation: the balance of commercial programs soars to net exports of 3,374 Gigawatt-hours (GWh), from outflows of only 766 Gigawatt-hours last year.

The export profile is a trend that emerged in 2024, to be strengthened dramatically in the period that followed. Thus, within a year, Greece appears to be exceeding its needs to such an extent that it is now channeling significant surpluses to neighboring markets, taking advantage of both interconnections and the changing dynamics of the energy mix.

Leap in production
This picture is also confirmed on a monthly basis. In March, exports soared to 1,184 Gigawatt-hours, up by over 200% compared to last year, while imports were limited to just 98 Gigawatt-hours. Therefore, the overall balance was purely export-oriented with outflows of 1,086 Gigawatt-hours.

Behind this performance lies the diversified production mix. Total electricity production in March amounted to 5,356 Gigawatt hours, an increase of 31.6% compared to the corresponding month of 2025. RES maintained a leading role, covering 47.7% of production and confirming their stable penetration in the system.

This was followed by thermal production with 39.1% and hydroelectric power with 13.2%.

Increase in demand
The increase in production was combined with a mild but steady increase in demand. Total electricity demand in March amounted to 4,270 Gigawatt hours, an increase of approximately 6% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Accordingly, demand in the system amounted to 3,283 Gigawatt hours, recording an increase of approximately 8%.

However, the analysis by consumer category reveals differences. Demand on the grid, which represents the vast majority of consumption (households and smaller businesses), increased by approximately 8%, while high-voltage customers recorded a small decrease. Overall, the picture points to a market that is moving at a moderate pace, without extreme fluctuations, despite changing weather and economic conditions.

The load curve is also interesting. The maximum total demand of the month was recorded on March 19, reaching 7,980 MW, while the minimum was recorded on March 9, at 4,103 MW. This fluctuation highlights the need for flexibility in the system, especially in an environment of increased participation of RES, whose production depends on weather conditions.

Supplier shares
On the retail market front, the balances between suppliers remain relatively stable, with PPC maintaining its dominant position. In March, its share stood at 48.9%, followed by Metlen with 21.8% and HERON with 9.6%. Smaller but notable shares are held by Enerwave (5.98%), NRG (3.93%), “Natural Gas” (3.36%), ZeniΘ (3.1%) and Volton (1.16%).

The picture differs by voltage level. In high voltage, PPC continues to have a significant presence, but competition is more intense, with a strong participation of private suppliers and Metlen leading the way with 52.4%. On the contrary, in low voltage - i.e. in the mass consumption of households and small businesses - PPC maintains a clear lead with 60.8%, followed by Metlen with 13.7%.

Overall, March confirms and strengthens the export trend of the Greek electricity system. Our country is gradually transforming into an energy hub, with lower wholesale electricity prices in its “neighborhood”, taking advantage of both the increased production from RES and the flexibility of natural gas plants. This development strengthens Greece’s geostrategic role, improves the trade balance, but at the same time highlights the challenges related to managing a more complex and interconnected energy landscape.