Electricity in Serbia in 2023/2024

Over the past 12 months, spanning from November 2023 to October 2024, the state of electricity consumption in Serbia reveals a significant reliance on fossil fuel sources. More than half of Serbia's electricity, approximately 62%, is generated from fossil fuels, with coal being the predominant contributor at nearly 60%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources account for about 37% of the total electricity consumed. Among these, hydropower is the leading source of clean energy, supplying almost a third of the country's electricity. Wind energy contributes a modest share of roughly 3%, while gas represents about 3% of the electricity mix, further highlighting Serbia's substantial dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation. This mix underscores the urgent need for Serbia to diversify and enhance its low-carbon energy sources to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the continued use of fossil fuels.

Suggestions

Serbia can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation by investing in and expanding its nuclear and wind energy capacities. Learning from countries like Slovakia and Ukraine, which have successfully harnessed nuclear power for 60% and more than half of their electricity, respectively, Serbia could consider increasing its own nuclear infrastructure to achieve similar outcomes. Additionally, Denmark's leadership in wind energy, having achieved close to 60% of its electricity from wind, presents a successful model for Serbia to emulate by further developing its wind power capabilities. By observing Slovenia's balanced investment in nuclear energy, resulting in 35% of its electricity generation, Serbia can also aim to adopt diversified approaches in both nuclear and wind energy sectors, thereby optimizing its overall clean energy share.

History

Historically, Serbia's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, primarily in hydropower. In the early 1990s and late 2000s, hydropower showed periods of both growth and decline. For instance, 1991 and 1995 saw increases of 2 TWh and 1.1 TWh respectively, while 1993 and 1997 witnessed reductions of 1 TWh each. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2011, with a decrease of 3.2 TWh, highlighting periods of vulnerability in hydropower output. More recently, from 2018 to 2023, Serbia achieved marked gains, peaking with an increase of 2.3 TWh in 2021 and a notable 3.5 TWh boost in 2023. The fluctuations demonstrate a dependency on variable water availability, emphasizing the need for Serbia to stabilize its clean electricity generation through more reliable sources like nuclear and wind. Transitioning to these sustainable energy forms will not only ensure consistent electricity supply but also contribute to Serbia's long-term environmental goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources