The current state of electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina reflects a reliance on fossil energy, with coal accounting for more than half of the electricity production—59%, to be precise. However, the country is also making strides in its commitment to clean energy, generating 41% of its electricity through low-carbon sources. Hydropower is the most significant contributor to this clean energy portfolio, representing almost a third of the total electricity consumption. Wind and solar energy are also playing their part, albeit on a smaller scale, with wind providing nearly 5% and solar contributing approximately 3.5%. These efforts illustrate a promising, albeit gradual, transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Unfortunately, the overall electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina is on a downward trend. In the year 2025, the total electricity consumption stood at 4373 kWh per person, which marks a substantial drop from the record high of 5657 kWh per person in 2018. This decrease reflects a decline of 1284 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also fallen, with the current level being 1797 kWh per person, a reduction of 389 kWh from the peak level recorded in 2023. These reductions are concerning as they suggest not just a decrease in total consumption but also a step back in terms of progressing towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity grid.
Suggestions
To address these challenges and ramp up low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina can look towards successful regions around the world. Nuclear power represents a robust, reliable clean energy source as evidenced by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear comprises over two-thirds of the electricity generation. Aiming to develop nuclear infrastructure could significantly bolster Bosnia & Herzegovina’s clean energy capacity. Solar energy, as demonstrated by states like Nevada and California, where it accounts for more than 30% of electricity generation, is another promising avenue. By investing in nuclear and solar energy, Bosnia & Herzegovina can expand its clean energy portfolio, reduce reliance on coal, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
History
Historically, Bosnia & Herzegovina has experienced fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation, primarily driven by hydropower. In the early 1990s, the country saw significant growth with an increase of 2.1 TWh in 1991, although this was followed by a sharp decline the following year. Subsequent years were marked by both increases and decreases, highlighting the variable nature of hydropower due to factors such as climate variability. In the 2000s, the country continued to see growth in hydropower with a notable increase of 1.8 TWh in 2010 but unfortunately followed by a substantial drop in 2011. The most recent decade has seen continued volatility, with periodic increases, like a rise of 2.5 TWh in 2018, but also declines such as a reduction of 1.6 TWh in 2020 and again in 2024. These fluctuations underscore the importance of diversifying the country’s low-carbon energy strategy with more dependable sources like solar and nuclear power to ensure consistent and sustainable growth in electricity generation.
