In Bosnia & Herzegovina, electricity consumption in 2024 is primarily driven by fossil fuels with coal contributing more than half of the total electricity production, specifically 61%. However, the country has also made significant strides toward integrating low-carbon energy sources. Nearly 40% of the country's electricity comes from such low-carbon sources. Hydropower is the most prominent contributor among these, providing about 35% of the electricity. Meanwhile, wind and solar, each generating around 3% and 2% respectively, indicate the beginnings of a more diverse clean energy infrastructure. While these figures represent a commendable commitment to greening the energy mix, there remains substantial room for expansion of low-carbon energy, particularly in solar and wind sectors.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Despite this positive development in low-carbon generation, overall electricity consumption in Bosnia & Herzegovina has decreased from its peak in 2018. In 2024, the average electricity consumption is 4484 kWh per person, showing a notable drop of 1173 kWh per person from 2018 levels. Additionally, the low-carbon electricity generation per person has also dropped since its peak in 2023, declining by 422 kWh per person to 1764 kWh. This stagnation is concerning as the need for increased electricity consumption, especially from clean sources, is imperative to support economic growth and sustainable development. Efforts need to be intensified to not only recover to previous levels but to surpass them with continued focus on green energy.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Bosnia & Herzegovina could draw inspiration from regions that have successfully integrated clean energy sources. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate impressive nuclear energy contributions at 68% and 67% respectively, showcasing the potential of nuclear power to drive substantial low-carbon energy growth. Similarly, Iowa and Denmark have harnessed the power of wind energy to contribute around 60% and 55% of their electricity, exemplifying the potential of wind in differing geographic contexts. Solar energy should also be a focus area; regions like Nevada and California have demonstrated its vast potential with over 30% of their electricity coming from solar. Hence, an increase in nuclear and solar energy capacities in Bosnia & Herzegovina could significantly bolster its low-carbon electricity generation.
History
The historical trend of low-carbon electricity generation in Bosnia & Herzegovina reveals a pattern of fluctuating hydropower output over the decades. During the early 1990s, hydropower saw various shifts, with a significant decline in 1992 and 1993. The late 1990s and early 2000s brought incremental increases with a few setbacks, such as the noticeable reduction in 2007 and 2011, which were then followed by recovery years. Momentum built with periods like 2013 and 2018 bringing substantial growth. However, recent years, including 2022 and 2024, experienced declines that disrupt the overall progress. This inconsistency highlights the critical importance of diversifying the low-carbon portfolio to include nuclear and solar energy, reducing reliance on hydropower alone, and fostering more stable growth in green electricity.
