Serbia's recent data on electricity consumption from November 2024 to October 2025 highlights a reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for about 70% of the total electricity production. Among fossil fuels, coal contributed more than 60%, while gas added around 7%. The cleaner, low-carbon sources made up roughly 29% of the electricity mix. Hydropower stood out as the predominant low-carbon source, providing close to a quarter of the total electricity generation. This indicates a significant opportunity for Serbia to enhance its low-carbon portfolio further. However, wind energy, while included in the low-carbon category, only contributed about 4%, signaling an area with potential for significant growth. Net imports of electricity were a marginal contributor, at just above 1%.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
In terms of electricity consumption growth, Serbia has experienced a slight decline. The per capita electricity consumption in 2025 dropped to 5223 kWh from a previous peak of 5568 kWh in 2023, showing a decrease of 345 kWh per person. This pattern is mirrored in the low-carbon electricity segment, which saw a reduction from a previous high of 2113 kWh per person in 2023 to 1526 kWh per person in 2025, a notable decrease of 587 kWh per person. This downturn suggests potential barriers or a lack of strategic focus on expanding clean energy infrastructure, which could impact Serbia's progress towards sustainable energy goals.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Serbia could follow the lead of regions that have effectively tapped into solar, nuclear, and wind energy. Countries like France and Slovakia achieve over two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing a path Serbia might adopt to transition away from its heavy coal dependency. Additionally, taking inspiration from states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy contributes 60% and 57% of their electricity respectively, Serbia can significantly expand its wind energy capacity. The introduction of solar energy, as seen in Lebanon and Chile with contributions around 30%, can further diversify Serbia's low-carbon portfolio and reduce fossil fuel dependence. A strategic focus on developing solar and nuclear infrastructure will be pivotal for Serbia's transition to a cleaner electricity future, showcasing commitment to sustainable growth and aligning with global climate targets.
History
Historically, hydropower has been a vital part of Serbia's low-carbon electricity strategy, with fluctuations in output across years. The early 1990s saw consistent growth, notably in 1991 with an addition of 2 TWh. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s faced several setbacks, including a 1 TWh decline in 1997 and a 1.6 TWh drop in 2000. In more recent times, there was a substantial rise in 2021 with an increase of 2.9 TWh, but the succeeding years have seen a mix of advancements and downturns, with 2023 recording a significant rise of 3.7 TWh. The subsequent years, 2024 and 2025, witnessed declines of 2.5 TWh and 2.2 TWh, respectively, indicating a need for more consistent and reliable expansion in low-carbon sources. With the right investments in clean energy technologies, Serbia has an opportunity to not only stabilize but enhance its low-carbon electricity generation.
