In 2024, Serbia's electricity consumption paints a picture of a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with fossil energy making up more than two-thirds of the total electricity generation. Within this category, coal stands out as a major contributor, generating close to two-thirds of the electricity. On the flip side, low-carbon energy sources contribute to nearly a third of Serbia's electricity production. Among these, hydropower is the dominant player, accounting for more than a quarter of the country's electricity. Wind energy, while present, contributes less than 3% to the overall mix. The limited presence of low-carbon energy sources is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed to reduce reliance on polluting fossil fuels and enhance sustainability.
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
The current stagnation in Serbia's electricity consumption is concerning. The latest data indicates that electricity use has decreased to 5,562 kWh per person, down from the previous record of 5,764 kWh per person set in 2023. This decline of 202 kWh per person signifies a setback in energy consumption growth. Moreover, this downward trend extends to low-carbon electricity generation, which saw a decrease from 1,987 kWh per person in 2023 to 1,711 kWh per person in 2024, a drop of 276 kWh per person. Such declines signal a need for Serbia to reinvigorate efforts towards greater electricity generation, especially from low-carbon sources, to meet future energy demands and align with global efforts to combat climate change.
Suggestions
Serbia has much to learn from other regions to spur its low-carbon transition. Countries like France and Slovakia lead by example with their substantial nuclear electricity generation, surpassing 60%. Neighboring countries such as Bulgaria and Slovenia also highlight the potential for nuclear energy development with significant contributions to their electricity mix. Wind energy, successfully harnessed by US states like Iowa and Denmark, showcases its feasibility as a clean energy source. Solar power, with notable achievements in Lebanon and Greece, presents an avenue for Serbia to consider, especially given its favorable climate. By expanding its nuclear and solar infrastructure and drawing inspiration from these success stories, Serbia can effectively bolster its low-carbon electricity generation.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity generation in Serbia has been marked by varying contributions from hydropower, with significant fluctuations since the 1990s. The early 1990s saw gains, such as in 1991 with an increase of 2 TWh, while the late 1990s experienced shifts, like in 1996 with a rise but followed by declines. More recent years have remained turbulent, including a notable increase in 2023 of 3.6 TWh, only to be followed by another dip in 2024. This inconsistent pattern points to a need for Serbia to stabilize and expand its low-carbon electricity output, rather than merely react to year-to-year changes. This stability can provide a reliable backbone for Serbia's electricity needs and enthusiastically contribute to a cleaner energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.