As of 2025, Serbia relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for its electricity consumption. Around 65% of the electricity consumed is sourced from fossil fuels, with coal alone accounting for about 60%. This high reliance on coal raises environmental concerns such as increased air pollution and contributions to climate change. On the brighter side, roughly 29% of Serbia's electricity is generated from low-carbon sources. Hydropower is the leading clean energy source, contributing around 23%, while wind and biofuels make up smaller portions, at 4% and 1% respectively. Additionally, about 5% of Serbia's electricity comes from net imports, which play a smaller but critical role in the overall mix.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
In terms of electricity consumption, Serbia has faced a decline. The latest electricity consumption recorded is 5483 kWh per person, which marks a decrease of 85 kWh per person compared to the peak in 2023. There is a greater concern when it comes to low-carbon electricity production, as it also saw a drop. In 2025, the low-carbon electricity generation was 1614 kWh per person, down by 498 kWh per person from its highest point in 2023. The decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is a worrying trend, especially given the growing global movement towards sustainable and clean energy, with the pressing need to increase overall electricity generation to power new technologies and electrification efforts.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Serbia should look towards both nuclear and solar power, which have shown great potential in various regions. For example, France and Slovakia generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing its viability as a major low-carbon source. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa have embraced wind energy, with significant portions of their electricity coming from wind. Solar energy, as seen in countries like Nevada and California, is another potent solution that Serbia can invest in. Diversifying its clean energy sources by adopting nuclear and solar, along with expanding wind energy, can help Serbia reduce its fossil fuel dependency and ensure a more sustainable electricity future.
History
Historically, Serbia's reliance on hydropower has seen numerous fluctuations in its electricity generation. The early 1990s experienced some variances, but notable changes started in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with several years of significant declines, such as in 2000 and 2011, which saw reductions by more than 1 TWh. In recent years, however, hydropower showed some resurgence in 2023 with an increase of 3.7 TWh, yet faced another downturn in 2024 and 2025. These periodic declines highlight the need for Serbia to diversify its low-carbon portfolio beyond hydropower, ensuring a more reliable and consistent green energy supply that nuclear and solar can help provide.
