In 2024, Bosnia & Herzegovina relies significantly on fossil fuels, which account for more than 60% of its electricity consumption, predominantly from coal. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy comprises almost 40% of the electricity mix, with the majority coming from hydropower at nearly 33%. Solar and wind energy together contribute close to 4%, indicating that there's substantial room for growth in these sectors. The reliance on fossil fuels presents risks such as air pollution and climate change, making a transition to cleaner sources increasingly urgent.
Bosnia & Herzegovina could bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by exploring various successful international models. Nuclear energy has been a significant component for many countries in transitioning to low-carbon electricity. For instance, countries like Slovakia and neighboring Hungary and Slovenia have ample contributions from nuclear power, generating over 60% and around 30% of their electricity sustainably, respectively. Additionally, wind energy presents a viable path, as exemplified by Denmark and Germany, where wind contributes over 50% and around 27% of electricity, respectively. By focusing on these proven solutions and perhaps pursuing a combination of nuclear, wind and solar, Bosnia & Herzegovina could significantly reduce its dependency on coal.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Bosnia & Herzegovina, particularly through hydropower, has been characterized by fluctuations. Starting in the early 1990s, hydropower experienced an initial decrease, followed by some growth in the mid-1990s. A notable dip occurred in 2011, yet by 2013, there was a significant rebound. More recently, from 2018 to 2021, there have been alternating years of increases and decreases. This historic volatility in hydropower production highlights the necessity for more stable and diversified low-carbon energy sources such as wind and solar, and perhaps even the inclusion of nuclear energy for a reliably clean electricity future.