In 2025, the electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity being generated from coal, contributing to a total fossil-based generation of nearly 59%. Despite this, a significant portion of electricity is produced from low-carbon sources, which account for just over 41% of the total. Among these low-carbon sources, hydropower stands out, producing nearly a third of the electricity. The remainder of the clean electricity comes from wind and solar energy, with wind contributing nearly 5% and solar close to 4% of total electricity generation. This mix indicates a considerable reliance on coal, but also a promising base for expanding clean energy sources in the future.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
The situation regarding electricity growth in Bosnia & Herzegovina raises some concerns. The per capita electricity consumption in 2025, at 4373 kWh, is significantly lower than the previous record of 5657 kWh in 2018, marking a decline of 1284 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased from its 2023 high of 2186 kWh per person to 1797 kWh. This reduction underscores a worrying trend that could hinder the country’s efforts to combat climate change effectively. Given the global need for increased electricity generation, especially from clean sources, Bosnia & Herzegovina's downward trend points to a critical need for strategic solutions to stimulate growth in low-carbon electricity production.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina can look to successful strategies employed by other regions. Countries like North Macedonia and Nevada demonstrate the immense potential of solar energy, contributing up to 49% and 34% of their electricity from solar, respectively. Expanding solar projects in Bosnia & Herzegovina could markedly increase its clean energy share. Additionally, the significant contribution of nuclear energy in regions like France and Slovakia, where it accounts for approximately two-thirds of the electricity, highlights the promise of nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon source. By investing in both nuclear and solar energy infrastructure, Bosnia & Herzegovina could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity generation and reduce its reliance on coal.
History
Looking back, the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Bosnia & Herzegovina, particularly via hydropower, has seen fluctuations. During the early 1990s, there was a mix of growth and declines, including a 2.1 TWh increase in 1991 and a significant decrease in 1992. The late 1990s and early 2000s observed growth, with notable increases in 1996 and 2004. Despite this, some years saw downturns, as in 2007 and 2011 when hydropower generation fell. More recently, fluctuations continued, with a rise in 2013 and a drop in 2020, reflecting a history of variability. To ensure stability and growth, Bosnia & Herzegovina must focus on harnessing consistent low-carbon energy sources like solar and nuclear to counterbalance these fluctuations and contribute to sustainable development.
