Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, the electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina has been characterized by a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity being generated from coal, which accounts for nearly 63% of the total electricity mix. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, which include hydropower, wind, and solar, make up a little more than a third of the electricity generation. Specifically, hydropower contributes the vast majority of clean energy, making up approximately 34% of the total electricity generation. Wind and solar energy play a much smaller role, with each contributing close to 1.4% and 1.3% respectively. This current energy landscape highlights a dependence on coal while showcasing the potential for increased investments in low-carbon technologies to diversify and green the electricity supply further.
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
In recent years, electricity consumption per person in Bosnia & Herzegovina has seen a concerning downward trend. The latest data from 2025 shows that electricity consumption is at 3,684 kWh per person, which is a steep decline from the previous record of 5,674 kWh per person in 2021. This represents a decrease of 1,990 kWh per person, indicating a worrying trend in electricity consumption. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased, standing at 1,368 kWh per person compared to the previous high of 2,213 kWh per person in 2021, signifying a reduction of 845 kWh per person. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption raises concerns about Bosnia & Herzegovina's capacity to meet future energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina could look to other successful regions as examples. For instance, Slovakia and Ukraine produce a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear power, with percentages of 64% and 55%, respectively, which could serve as inspiration for an investment in nuclear technologies. At the same time, Denmark and Iowa are leading in wind energy, generating 57% and 62% of their electricity from wind, offering strategies for enhancing wind power capabilities. Moreover, Lebanon and Nevada are making strides in solar energy, with solar contributing 31% and 29% of electricity respectively. By incorporating these strategies and learning from these regions, Bosnia & Herzegovina can build a more sustainable and reliable low-carbon electricity system, harnessing the potential of nuclear, solar, and wind energy.
History
Historically, the trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Bosnia & Herzegovina shows a series of fluctuations, primarily driven by changes in hydropower generation. In the early 1990s, there were both significant increases in 1991 and considerable declines in the years that followed. Subsequent years, particularly around 1996 and 2004, saw modest positive changes, with increases in hydroelectric output. The 2000s and 2010s were marked by variability, with notable decreases in 2007 and 2011, and strong rebound years like 2013 and 2018. However, there have been several setbacks since then, with recent years frequently experiencing reductions in hydropower capacity. This pattern suggests a need for diversifying and expanding the low-carbon energy portfolio beyond reliance on hydropower to more stable sources like nuclear and solar that can consistently meet energy demands and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.