In 2025, Bosnia & Herzegovina's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity being generated from coal, precisely 59%. However, the country has made notable strides in generating electricity from low-carbon sources, which account for a significant 41% of the total electricity generation. Within this low-carbon category, hydropower stands out as a major contributor, providing nearly a third of the country's electricity with 33%. Wind and solar are also part of the clean electricity mix, supplying 5% and 4% respectively. This composition reflects a gradual shift towards cleaner energy sources, although there remains a substantial dependence on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Despite these efforts, the overall electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina is experiencing a concerning downward trend. The average electricity consumption per person in 2025 is measured at 4,373 kWh, showcasing a significant decrease from the historic high of 5,657 kWh per person recorded in 2018. This translates to a reduction of 1,284 kWh per person over this period. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also declined since its peak in 2023, with the latest figures showing 1,797 kWh per person compared to the earlier record of 2,186 kWh per person, signifying a decrease of 389 kWh. This decline in both overall and clean electricity usage points to a worrying stagnation that requires immediate attention to reverse the trend and meet future energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina could draw inspiration from several successful regions. Nuclear energy serves as a major component of clean electricity in many countries, with France and Slovakia producing around two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power. Meanwhile, solar energy provides considerable potential, as evidenced by California and Lebanon, each generating over 30% of their electricity from solar. Wind energy also holds promise, as demonstrated by Denmark and Iowa, which derive around 60% of their electricity from wind. By investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Bosnia & Herzegovina could significantly lower its carbon footprint while simultaneously increasing electricity production to cater to growing future demands.
History
The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Bosnia & Herzegovina shows periods of growth and decline primarily in hydropower generation. In the early 1990s, hydropower saw volatility with an increase of 2.1 TWh in 1991 and a subsequent drop of 1.7 TWh in 1992. In the later 1990s and early 2000s, growth was more consistent, with notable increases in 1996 and 2004. The years around 2010 and 2013 saw significant peaks with a burst in hydropower generation, particularly in 2013 when it increased by 3 TWh. More recently, fluctuations have continued, with notable declines in 2011 and 2020, and a recent increase in 2021. Overall, these oscillations indicate the need for more stable and diverse sources of low-carbon electricity to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
