Over the past twelve months, from August 2024 to July 2025, Bosnia & Herzegovina's electricity consumption has heavily relied on fossil fuels, with almost two-thirds of the electricity, specifically 63%, being generated from coal. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contributed to over a third of total electricity generation. The majority of this clean electricity came from hydropower, which accounted for more than 34%. Wind and solar power made notably smaller contributions, together providing less than 3%. This mix indicates a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with room for substantial improvement in the share of clean energy.
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
The state of electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina shows concerning trends, as overall electricity use has decreased significantly. As of 2025, the national average electricity consumption is 3,678 kWh per person, which means a drop of nearly 2,000 kWh per person from the previous record set in 2021. The decline in clean, low-carbon electricity is also evident, with current generation at 1,354 kWh per person, down substantially from 2021's record of 2,213 kWh per person. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is worrying in the context of future electrification needs and tackling climate change, highlighting the urgency of revitalizing and expanding Bosnia & Herzegovina's electricity landscape.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina can draw lessons from regions with successful clean energy strategies. Considering the potential for solar and nuclear energy, the country should look at examples like Slovakia and France, which generate more than half of their electricity using nuclear power. Building nuclear infrastructure could be a large step towards sustainable electricity. Similarly, the adoption of solar energy, akin to countries like Greece and Lebanon, where solar power accounts for a significant portion, could also be transformative, especially given Bosnia & Herzegovina's favorable sunlight conditions. By diversifying their clean energy sources with nuclear and solar, the country can ensure energy security and sustainability.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Bosnia & Herzegovina, particularly focused on hydropower, has seen a cyclical pattern over the decades. In the early 1990s, electricity generation experienced fluctuations with both increases in 1991 and declines during 1992-1993. Notable progress was made in the mid-1990s, particularly in 1996. The 2000s observed instances of both growth and downturn, with significant gains in 2004 and 2009 offset by declines like the major reduction in 2011. Recent years continued this trend with fluctuations, from positive growth in 2018 and 2021 to declines in 2022 and beyond. The recurring downswing in low-carbon generation underscores the need for Bosnia & Herzegovina to pursue more stable and resilient clean energy solutions such as nuclear and solar.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.