In Serbia, as of 2025, more than half of its electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with coal being the primary source, making up around 60% of their electricity consumption. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity sources contribute nearly 30% to the overall electricity generation, with hydropower leading this category at approximately 23%. Wind and biofuels provide additional low-carbon electricity, albeit on a smaller scale, with wind contributing about 4% and biofuels slightly above 1%. Net imports contribute to around 5% of the country's electricity consumption, indicating a reliance on external sources to meet energy needs.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
Currently, electricity consumption in Serbia is experiencing a decline. The total electricity consumption for 2025 stands at 5483 kWh per person, which is a drop of 85 kWh per person from the previous record in 2023. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased, showing a drop from a peak value, going from 2113 kWh per person to 1614 kWh per person. This reduction in low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, as the country is heavily reliant on coal and struggling to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, which is necessary to combat climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
Serbia has opportunities to increase its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from regions successfully pioneering clean energy initiatives. Countries like France and Slovakia exemplify how nuclear energy can significantly contribute to a clean energy portfolio, with nuclear providing more than two-thirds of electricity. Similarly, regions such as Denmark and Iowa illustrate the potential of expanding wind energy, with large portions of their electricity sourced from wind power. Serbia could benefit from expanding its nuclear and wind energy sectors and can also explore the potential of solar energy, as demonstrated by regions like Nevada. Prioritizing the development of these energy sectors can help Serbia diversify and stabilize its electricity mix while reducing its carbon footprint.
History
Historically, Serbia's low-carbon electricity generation has been dominated by hydropower, with significant fluctuations throughout the years. In the 1990s, there were periods of both growth and decline, with a notable increase in 1991 followed by a decrease in 1993. The following years presented a series of ups and downs for hydropower, with minor increases and decreases around the early 2000s. A considerable drop occurred in 2011, indicating challenges within the sector. More recently, hydropower experienced significant fluctuations, with 2023 seeing a notable increase, yet the following years have recorded declines. This pattern underscores the need for a more diverse and reliable approach to low-carbon electricity generation, such as nuclear and solar, to ensure stable progress toward Serbia's clean energy goals.
