Gas-fueled power stations output down, Italy imports up

The energy-mix share of gas-fueled power stations has contracted significantly as a result of the country’s rigid month-ahead pricing method used for natural gas, which prevented electricity producers from taking advantage of falling spot market prices throughout October. Gas prices remained fixed at higher price levels recorded at the end of September.

Given the circumstances, energy companies chose to shut off gas-fueled power stations in significant numbers. This resulted in a sharp increase of electricity imports from Italy, where, as is also the case in other European markets, the spot market greatly influences gas price levels.

Italy’s day-ahead electricity market was below that of Greece’s throughout October, ending the month at 211.63 euros per MWh, compared to 232.6 euros per MWh in Greece, Europe’s highest, despite a 44 percent drop from September.

Gas-fueled power stations in Greece ended up representing just 23 percent of the energy mix in October, well below usual levels of around 40 percent.