In the past 12 months, from August 2024 to July 2025, Serbia's electricity landscape has been predominantly fossil-based, with fossil fuels accounting for more than half at around 68%. The bulk of this comes from coal, which constitutes an extensive 63% of the total electricity consumption. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources offer a brighter perspective but still lag behind, representing approximately 30% of the total and being primarily driven by hydropower, which contributes around 25%. Wind energy remains a smaller player, making up a mere 3.5%, while gas contributes to over 4% of the total electricity generation. Additionally, Serbia relies on net imports, which account for about 2% of its electricity consumption. These figures reflect a substantial dependence on fossil energy, significantly hindering Serbia's goal of achieving a sustainable and climate-friendly energy system.
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
In terms of electricity growth, the situation in Serbia is concerning. As of 2025, the total electricity consumption reached 5234 kWh per person, which is notably lower than the record high of 5764 kWh per person achieved in 2023. This decline of 530 kWh per person is a setback and illustrates a worrying stagnation in overall electricity consumption, especially at a time when electrification is key to advancing economic and technological developments. Moreover, clean electricity generation has also experienced a notable decline. In 2025, low-carbon electricity generation amounted to 1550 kWh per person, a significant decrease from its previous peak of 1987 kWh per person in 2023, marking a decline of 438 kWh per person. These declines indicate a pressing need for Serbia to reinforce its commitment to expanding its clean energy capacity.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Serbia could draw inspiration from successful regions around the globe. In particular, emulating the nuclear prowess of countries like France and Slovakia with nuclear power contributing at staggering rates of 69% and 64% respectively, would be a vital step for Serbia. Similarly, Iowa's wind energy success, which makes up 62% of its electricity generation, highlights another opportunity for Serbia to tap into wind power. Developing a robust nuclear and wind energy sector would not only diversify Serbia’s energy mix but also secure a sustainable and clean energy future. Furthermore, introducing solar energy projects akin to those in Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of electricity, could further bolster Serbia's clean energy credentials. Expanding solar, wind, and nuclear capabilities would significantly enhance Serbia’s infrastructure, moving it away from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and towards a cleaner future.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Serbia, hydropower has been an essential component but has also experienced fluctuating fortunes over the decades. In the early '90s, Serbia saw some gains in hydroelectric output, particularly in 1991 with a significant increase of 2 TWh. However, the following years were characterized by volatile patterns, with 1993 experiencing a fall and then modest gains in the mid-'90s. Entering the 2000s, hydropower faced continued inconsistencies with notable declines such as in 2000 and 2003. Despite rebounds in 2004 and narrowly in 2010, the trend of instability persisted with subsequent sharp declines through the 2010s. Most recently, the latter part of the 2020s has not been promising, with 2025 seeing a significant decline of 1.3 TWh compared to previous years. Addressing these historical fluctuations, Serbia needs to establish a stable and resilient low-carbon electricity blueprint, focusing on fortifying its hydro capabilities, while capitalizing on nuclear and solar advancements to ensure a continuous supply of clean and sustainable energy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.