From August 2025 through July 2026, fossil fuels supplied just over half of electricity consumed in Bosnia & Herzegovina, with coal accounting for the entire fossil share of about 53%. Low-carbon sources supplied the remaining 47%, led by hydropower at about 38% of total electricity consumption. Wind contributed around 5% and solar almost 4%. Clean electricity therefore already provides a substantial share, but coal remains the largest source, making further low-carbon growth important for reducing climate emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The latest figures show electricity consumption below its historical peak, rather than demonstrating sustained growth. In 2026, consumption stood at about 4,460 kWh per person, roughly 1,200 kWh—or 21%—below the 2018 record of around 5,660 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation was also below its record: about 2,090 kWh per person, compared with nearly 2,190 kWh in 2023, a decline of approximately 100 kWh, or 4%. These shortfalls are concerning as electrification and growing digital infrastructure will require more clean electricity. However, comparisons with record years alone do not establish whether consumption or generation increased in the latest year.

Suggestions

Bosnia & Herzegovina can build on its hydropower base by accelerating solar and wind development while considering nuclear generation, including regional cooperation. Nearby North Macedonia illustrates solar’s potential, generating 40% of its electricity from solar, while Hungary generates 23% and Bulgaria 19%. These examples support expanding both rooftop and larger solar installations. For wind, Greece’s 21% share offers a relevant regional example. Nuclear also deserves serious consideration: neighboring Slovenia generates 40% of its electricity from nuclear, while Bulgaria generates 37% and Slovakia 66%. Learning from these regions’ experience, alongside investment in electricity networks and regional connections, could help Bosnia & Herzegovina expand clean electricity supply and reduce coal dependence.

History

The supplied historical changes show that hydropower has driven substantial swings in Bosnia & Herzegovina’s low-carbon electricity generation. In the early 1990s, a 2.1 TWh increase in 1991 was followed by declines totaling 2.7 TWh in 1992–1993, before gains in 1994, 1996 and 1999. The 2000s brought increases of 1.5 TWh in 2004 and 1.4 TWh in 2009, interrupted by a 1.9 TWh fall in 2007. Volatility continued in the 2010s: generation rose 1.8 TWh in 2010, fell sharply by 3.6 TWh in 2011, and rebounded by 3 TWh in 2013. Further declines in 2014 and 2017 preceded a 2.5 TWh recovery in 2018. From 2020 through 2024, annual changes alternated between losses and gains of roughly 1.6–1.9 TWh, ending with a 1.6 TWh decline in 2024. This uneven history reinforces the value of expanding solar, wind and nuclear alongside hydropower to support sustained clean electricity growth.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Aug 2025 – Jul 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.