Nuclear power plants, outdated coal generation, "green" energy, manoeuvrable capacities - all this can be attributed to the components of the energy systems balance in neighbouring European countries. For example, Poland is still dependent on coal, Hungary is becoming an important hub for cross-border trade, Romania and Slovakia are confidently following the "green" course. Continue reading the article for more information about the energy mix of the neighbouring countries.
Poland
Poland remains dependent on coal-fired power. According to 2024 results, the share of coal generation was 62%. However, the country is also actively developing renewable energy sources. According to Energy Charts, last year the share of renewable energy sources was 28.8%, 2 percentage points more than in 2023. The highest level of production for the year was recorded in January, the lowest was observed in June.
The share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance in the summer was 30.5%.
According to 2024 results, Poland is a net importer of electricity. The most active trade was with Germany and Poland.
Romania
The Romanian energy mix includes various energy sources - nuclear, hydropower, coal- and gas generation, and renewable energy sources. The largest share of 27% in 2024 was covered by hydroelectric power plants and nuclear power plants covered over 20%. At the same time, the share of wind farms was 12%, SPP – 4%. In general, renewable sources in Romania (including hydropower) are rapidly approaching the 50% mark.
Romania is a net importer based on the results of the year. The most active trade was with Hungary and Bulgaria.
Slovakia
In Slovakia, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants produce the most electricity. The share of nuclear power plants in the production structure in 2024 reached 63%. Renewable energy sources (including large hydroelectric power plants) in the country are growing moderately from 21% in 2023 to 23% in 2024. Most of the electricity was produced in January, the least – in June. At the same time, gas generation is also actively operating in the country, producing about 8% of all volumes.
In March 2024, the Slovak Slovenské elektrárne stopped generating electricity at its last coal-fired TPP in Slovakia, Vojany. At the same time, some thermal power plants continue to burn coal in small volumes.
At the end of the year, Slovakia was a net exporter, with electricity exports exceeding imports in all months except June. The most active trade was with Hungary and Poland.
Hungary
Over 45% of the generation structure in Hungary in 2024 was occupied by nuclear generation, while the share of gas generation remains high - almost 30%. Renewable energy sources gained 4 percentage points over the year from 19% in 2023 to 23% in 2024. A significant part of the "green" generation was occupied by solar power plants. Most solar power plants in Hungary generated more than 700 GWh of electricity in July and August.
Hungary remains a net importer of electricity, with the most active trade occurring with Slovakia, Austria, and Serbia. About 25% of consumption in Hungary is provided by imports. Separately, it should be noted that Hungary's share in the structure of electricity imports to Ukraine is the largest, almost 40%.
Moldova
In 2024, Moldova depended on natural gas, required for electricity production at the Transnistria SRPP, located in the self-proclaimed Transnistria Moldavian Republic. Since early 2025, after the termination of the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, Moldova has begun to look for other sources of supply, in particular, and imports from Romania and Ukraine have sharply increased.
The share of gas generation in the total energy mix in 2024 reached 90%, the rest are renewable energy sources.
According to the results of the year, Moldova was a net importer, with the most active trade with Romania and Ukraine.
ExPro Electricity Team